A person (child or adult) with the disorder will frequently, but not always, show some of these behaviors:
- fails to give close attention to details
- makes careless mistakes at school, at work, or during social activities like game playing
- has trouble keeping attention focussed on tasks or leisure activities
- does not appear to listen when spoken to directly or does not obey instructions
- fails to finish allocated chores or workplace duties
- loses focus, is easily sidetracked and distracted and has trouble organizing activities and tasks
- is reluctant or avoids tasks that require extended mental effort (such as homework)
- loses objects that are necessary for activities (such as school materials, pencils and books in children, or tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, spectacles, mobile phones in adults).
- Loses track of time, misses or forgets scheduled activities.