It’s normal for children to act out and test boundaries. If your child is demonstrating inattentiveness, fidgeting, not listening, and other behaviors on a regular basis, your child could have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD.

The Child Development Institute lists the characteristics of ADHD as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can contribute to signs like repetitive motions, continuous fidgeting, inability to remain seated, excessive talking, inability to focus, and difficulty getting and staying organized.

ADHD can be difficult to recognize and can easily go untreated, which is why an ADHD screening from your pediatrician is so important. Therapies may include behavioral therapy, lifestyle modification, and medication therapy including Adderall and Ritalin.

If ADHD goes untreated, it can lead to problems when your child becomes an adult, including destructive behaviors, poor grades, poor work performance, and difficulty forming friendships.