If your child has trouble focusing, sitting still, or controlling impulses, you may wonder whether it could be attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, or what kind of ADHD it might be. The truth is, ADHD isn’t one single condition—it looks different from child to child.
Some kids can’t stop moving. Others stare out the window and forget their homework. Some do both. Understanding the different types of ADHD can help parents make sense of their child’s behavior and find strategies that truly fit their needs.
What are the types of ADHD?
ADHD is characterized by a combination of core symptoms relating to inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. There are three types, or presentations, of ADHD, which categorize how the symptoms of ADHD show up. They are:
- ADHD – Inattentive Type (ADHD-I)
- ADHD – Hyperactive/Impulsive Type (ADHD-H)
- ADHD – Combined Type (ADHD-C)
Predominantly Inattentive ADHD Type (ADHD-I): formerly known as ADD
You may have heard the term attention deficit disorder or ADD used in relation to ADHD—it was initially used to describe children who only had trouble paying attention. In 1994, the term “ADD” was removed from medical terminology and replaced with “ADHD” as a catch-all. The “Predominantly Inattentive ADHD Type” would have been considered ADD pre-1994.
Children with this type of ADHD often seem off in their own world. You might notice that they lose things constantly, forget directions or skip steps, have trouble finishing homework or chores, or appear to be listening but later can’t recall what was said.
These kids aren’t lazy or unmotivated—their brains simply struggle to stay engaged when tasks aren’t exciting or rewarding. Girls are more likely to have this type, which means it’s often missed or misdiagnosed. Many parents describe these children as “sweet but scattered.”
You may also hear about something called Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT), which describes kids who seem slow to start, tired, or daydreamy. SCT isn’t an official diagnosis, but it overlaps with inattentive ADHD.
Predominantly Hyperactive ADHD Type (ADHD-H): The “On-the-Go” profile
This is the type of ADHD most people think about when they hear the term. Kids with ADHD-H tend to fidget or squirm often, have trouble sitting through meals, classes or movies, talk quickly or interrupt often, and often act before thinking—sometimes getting hurt doing so.
Hyperactive symptoms often show up early, sometimes before preschool. The good news is that many children with this type grow out of the hyperactivity as they get older. Still, impulsivity can persist, which leads to challenges with friendships, following rules, or waiting their turn.
Combined Type (ADHD-C): The “All of the Above” profile
Children with combined ADHD show both inattention and hyperactivity and impulsivity. This is the most common type seen in clinics and often the most impairing. Children with combined ADHD may forget homework one minute and blurt out answers the next. Parents often describe them as busy, talkative, and easily frustrated.
These kids may also have higher rates of emotional ups and downs, irritability, and related conditions such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), anxiety, or learning difficulties.
What is happening in the ADHD brain?
ADHD is a brain-based condition. It’s not caused by bad parenting or too much screen time. Research shows that kids with ADHD often have:
- slightly smaller or slower-developing brain areas that control attention, planning and impulse control
- “underactive” communication between brain regions that regulate focus and self-control
- trouble turning off the default mode network, the part of the brain that daydreams when we’re not focused
In other words, ADHD brains are wired to notice everything—but that means they have to work extra hard to stay on one thing.
ADHD and co-occurring disorders
ADHD rarely emerges alone. About three out of four children with ADHD also have another challenge, such as:
- learning disorders (reading, writing, or math)
- anxiety or depression
- trouble following the rules
- social struggles
Kids with inattentive ADHD tend to be more quietly anxious or self-critical, while kids with combined or hyperactivity type may show more externalizing behaviors, such as acting out, frustration, or defiance.
What helps children with ADHD
There’s no single solution—but the best outcomes come from combining medication, behavioral support, and structure.
Stimulant medications, such as Ritalin or Adderall, help about 75 to 90 percent of kids by improving attention and impulse control. Non-stimulant options, such as Strattera or Intuniv, can also work well, especially when anxiety is present.
Behavioral parent training helps families learn positive reinforcement and consistency. School accommodations, such as extra time, movement break, or measures to reduce distractions, can also make a big difference.
With understanding and support, most kids with ADHD thrive—they’re often creative, energetic, and big-picture thinkers once their environment fits their brain.
What really matters is not the label, but the understanding of how your child’s brain works, and finding ways to help them channel their energy, curiosity, and creativity in the right direction.
At Bradley Hospital, we offer Incredible Years, a research-based program designed to promote positive parenting strategies and to assist parents in managing behavior problems. Learn more about the program on our website or call 401-432-1119.
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