Q.Describe the characteristics of children with hyperactivity.

Hyperactivity is one of the two main features of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the other being inattention. Hyperactive children are in constant motion and find it almost impossible to sit still — for example, through a lesson. They fidget, squirm, climb and run around the room aimlessly. Parents and teachers describe them as being 'driven by a motor', always on the go, and they tend to talk incessantly.

Hyperactivity is closely linked with impulsivity: such children seem unable to control their immediate reactions or to think before they act. They find it hard to wait or take turns, cannot resist immediate temptations or delay gratification, and are prone to minor mishaps like knocking things over, and sometimes to more serious accidents and injuries.

Hyperactivity is discussed under neurodevelopmental disorders, which appear in the early stage of development, often before or during the early years of schooling. The two main features of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. The question focuses on the hyperactive-impulsive cluster.

Characteristics of hyperactivity

• Children with ADHD are in constant motion.
• Sitting still — for instance, through a lesson — is nearly impossible for them.
• They may fidget, squirm, climb, and run around the room aimlessly.
• Parents and teachers describe them as being 'driven by a motor', always on the go.
• They tend to talk incessantly.

Impulsivity (closely tied to hyperactivity)

• They seem unable to control their immediate reactions or to think before they act.
• They find it difficult to wait or take turns.
• They have difficulty resisting immediate temptations or delaying gratification.
• Minor mishaps such as knocking things over are common, and more serious accidents and injuries can also occur.

The related feature — inattention

Although the question centres on hyperactivity, ADHD also involves inattention. Inattentive children find it hard to sustain mental effort during work or play, cannot keep their minds on any one thing or follow instructions, do not listen, cannot concentrate, are disorganised, easily distracted and forgetful, do not finish assignments, and quickly lose interest in boring activities. If not attended to, these difficulties can lead to more serious and chronic problems as the child grows into adulthood.