When my son was diagnosed with ADHD in early 2018, I was surprised to learn that there were three types of ADHD.
Autism, sensory processing, and hyperlexia are topics I am familiar with. I've done my research on them and read all the books. ADHD, on the other hand? Not so much. It's just something that I hadn't looked into that much. So prior to my son's ADHD diagnosis, I honestly didn't know that much about ADHD or impulsive and hyperactive behaviors.
While I had done my research on all things autism and sensory processing, and felt knowledgeable about those particular topics, ADHD is something that I hadn't looked into that much. So prior to my son's ADHD diagnosis, I honestly didn't know that much about ADHD.
But it was clearly time to give myself a bit of an ADHD education. Research impulsive behavior and hyperactive behaviors. You know, that sort of thing. Researching is kind of my jam, after all.
But after reading a bit about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and common ADHD symptoms (I prefer the term traits or characteristics over symptoms, by the way), I quickly learned some things. For instance, I realized that the type that he was diagnosed with described him perfectly! Kind of reminds me of that time I finally learned what hyperlexia was...
Gotta love a good lightbulb or AHA moment like that! To have labels that accurately describe his brain activity patterns was exciting. At least to this psychology major, neuroscience loving mom. Anyway, back to the different ADD types...
Below you will find descriptions of the 3 types of ADHD so that you can have a better understanding of what they are and how they present in terms of "behavioral symptoms." Again, just a reminder that I dislike that terminology. However, I know that there are people who will search the internet using those phrases and end up here so that's why I include them. Anyway, moving on...
What are the 3 Types of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
When most people think of ADHD, they probably imagine a hyperactive and impulsive kid. They likely assume it's a boy. That's what you pictured too, right? Well, this "behavior disorder" as it's often called (don't get me started on that!) actually has 3 different presentations. They are:
- Inattentive ADHD - this type best describes the daydreamers or those who are easily distractible
- Hyperactive impulsive type ADHD - describes those wiggly and fidgety kids, teens, and/or adults who need to be constantly moving
- Combination type ADHD - what most people think of when they hear the term ADHD
By the way, girls can have ADHD too. There are just so many stereotypes and biases about ADHD and other "childhood behavior disorders" out there.
ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
As the name implies, people with the predominantly inattentive presentation of ADHD have difficulty paying attention and are easily distracted. While they don't struggle with impulsivity or hyperactivity, people with this type of ADHD may struggle with staying on task, organizing tasks, listening, and forgetfulness.
ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
The hyperactive-impulsive presentation of ADHD describes people who wiggle, squirm, move, and fidget all the time. People diagnosed with this type of ADHD are constantly moving. They just feel the need to constantly move. They'll get up often instead of staying seated and struggle to sit still at school or at the dinner table, for example.
While someone with the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD doesn't necessarily have much trouble with inattention, they do struggle with impulse control or self-control. That means, they may blurt out things at school or interrupt others while talking.
ADHD, Combined Presentation
The combined presentation of ADHD is what most people, including myself, automatically think of when they hear ADHD.
This type of ADHD is exactly what the name implies...a combination of the two other types. With the combined presentation, the person has significant problems with both hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention.
Download the Free Printable Poster of The 3 Types of ADHD
I've also included a free printable poster of the the three types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder so that you can reference their names as needed. To get your copy, click the link below:
>> Click here to download the free poster
