context: Your child daydreams a lot at school and is easily distracted when he's doing homework or chores. Maybe he fidgets constantly. You might wonder if he has attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD). Or is it attention deficit disorder ( ADD)? Is there a difference? Many people use the terms to mean the same thing -- and that's sometimes correct. But not always. ADD is a type of ADHD that doesn't involve constant movement and fidgeting. But it's a blurry distinction. The confusion dates to 1994. That's when doctors decided all forms of attention-deficit disorder would be called "attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder," even if the person wasn't hyperactive. Which term is right for your family to use depends on your child's specific symptoms and diagnosis. It's important to talk with an experienced mental health provider to make sure your child gets the right diagnosis. ADHD is a brain-based disorder. It can interfere with your child's everyday activities at home and at school. Kids who have it have trouble paying attention and controlling their behavior, and are sometimes hyperactive. Before she's diagnosed, you will want to note your child's symptoms. The CDC offers an ADHD checklist for children that may help you keep track of them. Here are the signs to look for: Inattention: Includes disorganization, problems staying on task, constant daydreaming, and not paying attention when spoken to directly. Impulsivity: Includes spur-of-the-moment decisions without thinking about the chance of harm or long-term effects. She acts quickly to get an immediate reward. She may regularly interrupt teachers, friends, and family. Hyperactivity: Involves squirming, fidgeting, tapping, talking, and constant movement, especially in situations where it's not appropriate. Mental health professionals in the United States use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM) to diagnose all psychiatric conditions, including ADHD. The latest version divides it into three types: ADHD predominantly inattentive presentation (what used to be called ADD) ADHD predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation ADHD combined presentation Your child's diagnosis will depend on her specific symptoms. Kids with this condition aren't hyperactive. They don't have the high energy level seen in others with ADHD. In fact, children with this form may seem shy or "in their own world." ADD is diagnosed if a child under age 16 has 6 or more symptoms of inattention (5 or more for older teens) for at least 6 consecutive months but no signs of hyperactivity/impulsivity. The symptoms include: Trouble paying attention (easily sidetracked) Doesn't like or avoids long mental tasks (such as homework) Trouble staying on task during school, at home, or even at play Disorganized and seems forgetful Doesn't appear to listen when directly spoken to Doesn't pay close attention to details Loses things often Makes careless mistakes Struggles to follow through with instructions Children with this subtype of ADHD may go undiagnosed because the symptoms may be chalked up to daydreaming. Children with this form of ADHD have tons of energy and are constantly moving in a way that causes problems. It's diagnosed if a child under age 16 has 6 or more hyperactive/impulsive symptoms for at least 6 months (5 or more for older teens). This form is more noticeable than the inattentive type. Symptoms include: Blurting out answers before a question is finished Constantly interrupting others Trouble waiting his turn Talks too much Fidgeting, tapping, and squirming Gets up when it's not appropriate (such as when the teacher is talking or in the middle of dinner) Running or climbing in inappropriate situations Unable to play quietly A child with this type has symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.