Types of ADHD

There are three types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive and combined. Clinicians call them “presentations”, and the type describes which signs show up most in daily life. Below, we explain each of the ADHD types, the signs to look for, what “ADHD levels” mean and how to support your child.

ADD Vs ADHD

The term ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) has officially been retired. Yep, it’s true. Doctors and psychologists no longer use ADD as a diagnosis. ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is now the only term used, and what people used to call “ADD” is now known as the inattentive type of ADHD.

Many people still say “ADD”. It’s understandable, but it can cause confusion, because it suggests a separate diagnosis when it’s really one of the types of ADHD. Knowing the difference helps families ask the right questions and get the right support.

No two people with ADHD show exactly the same signs. That’s why it helps to understand the different types of ADHD: it moves us past stereotypes (like “ADHD always means a child who can’t sit still”) and towards support that fits the person.

MUST READ: ADHD Myths & Facts

How Many Types of ADHD Are There?

So, are there different types of ADHD? Yes. There are three types of ADHD. The DSM-5, the manual clinicians use to diagnose ADHD, calls them “presentations”:

1. Predominantly inattentive type (inattentive ADHD, previously called ADD)
2. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type (hyperactive ADHD)
3. Combined type (a mix of both)

You will often see people talk about two types of ADHD, because the first two are the main building blocks, and the third type is a combination of them. So what are the different types of ADHD, and how do they look in everyday life? Each type of ADHD is explained below.

The 3 Different Types of ADHD

ADHD is broadly categorised based on the signs a person shows. The three different ADHD types, along with their common signs, are as follows:

1. Inattentive ADHD

ADHD inattentive type is one of the most common forms of ADHD, and nearly 40 to 55% of children with ADHD fall into this category. It is sometimes called ADHD type 1. Because these children are often quiet rather than disruptive, inattentive ADHD is easy to miss, especially in girls. Key inattentive ADHD symptoms are:

• Daydreaming
• Switching from task to task
• Getting easily distracted by sights, sounds or their own thoughts
• Often missing important details
• Mistakes from missing details (in schoolwork and also in adulthood)
• Limited attention spans for tasks they don’t find interesting
• Disorganised, losing things and forgetting what they need
• Finding it hard to keep spaces tidy
• Seeming not to listen when spoken to
• Taking longer to process information
• Trouble following instructions with several steps

2. Hyperactive ADHD: Also Called Impulsive ADHD

This is sometimes called ADHD type 2. Type 2 ADHD is often noticed earlier, because the signs are easy to see. Common signs include:

• Difficulty sitting still
• Fidgeting and squirming
• Talking a lot
• Trouble doing quiet tasks (e.g. reading comprehension)
• Touching and getting into everything
• Running from place to place
• Bumping into people or objects
• Being physically very active and energetic
• Interrupting conversations
• Impatience
• Blurting out comments before thinking
• Speaking out of turn
• Trouble waiting for a turn or standing in a line

3. Combined ADHD

There is also a third type that includes both. Combined ADHD is when a person shows signs of inattention as well as signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity. This is a very common type of ADHD diagnosis, and because both sets of signs are present, it can affect learning, friendships and daily routines in more ways.

Signs can also vary from day to day and place to place. Some people show them all day, others only in certain settings, such as a noisy classroom. Every person is different, and the picture can be more complex when autism, anxiety or OCD are also present. You can’t put people into boxes. Spending time with a person and learning who they are, on a deeper level, makes it much easier to offer the right help in the right way.

ADHD Type 1 and ADHD Type 2: What Do They Mean?

“ADHD type 1” and “ADHD type 2” are not official medical terms, but many parents search for them. Usually, people use type 1 to mean the inattentive type and type 2 ADHD to mean the hyperactive-impulsive type. When someone talks about the 2 types of ADHD, they usually mean these two. Your child’s report will use the DSM-5 names: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or combined presentation.

What About the 7 Types of ADHD?

You may also see “7 types of ADHD” online. This idea comes from Dr Daniel Amen, who groups ADHD by brain scan patterns (with names like “ring of fire” or “over-focused”). It is not part of the DSM-5, and most clinicians don’t use it for diagnosis. The three official types of ADHD described above are what your child’s assessment will use.

ADHD Levels: Mild, Moderate and Severe

As well as the type of ADHD, clinicians may describe ADHD levels. These levels of ADHD describe how much the signs affect daily life:

• Mild: few signs beyond those needed for a diagnosis, with small effects on school, work or friendships.
• Moderate: somewhere between mild and severe.
• Severe: many signs, or some very strong ones, that have a big effect on daily life.

Severe ADHD doesn’t mean a person can’t do well. It means they need more support. A child’s level can also change as they grow, learn new strategies and get the right adjustments at home and school.

Can the Type of ADHD Change?

Yes. The type of ADHD a person shows can change over time. Many children diagnosed with hyperactive ADHD become less physically restless as they get older, while difficulties with attention and organisation stay. That’s why some adults are diagnosed with the inattentive type even though they were very active as children. Regular check-ins with your child’s doctor or psychologist help keep support up to date.

How to Support Your Child, Whatever Their ADHD Type

Different types of ADHD need slightly different support, but some strategies help almost every child:

• Change the environment first. A quieter seat, a tidy desk and fewer things on the wall can make focusing easier.
• Break tasks into small steps and give one instruction at a time, with a visual checklist if it helps.
• Build in movement. Movement breaks, fidget tools or standing to work help many active children focus.
• Use their interests. Children with ADHD can focus deeply on things they love. Use those interests as a doorway to learning.
• Notice what goes well. Praise effort and creativity, not just results. Many children with ADHD hear a lot of correction, so encouragement matters.
• Work with school. Share what helps at home and ask about adjustments in class.

➡ If you recognise these signs, don’t wait. Take the ADHD Test now.

NOTE: ADHD is not the same as Autism, although many people are both autistic and have ADHD. Read about the various types of Autism.

Questions About the Types of ADHD

If you have any questions about these three different types of ADHD, feel free to comment below. Sharing helps!

If you know someone diagnosed with ADHD (any of the three types), let us know. You don’t need to use their real name. Parents and families of children with ADHD are welcome to share their story.

Any advice, suggestions or recommendations, even complaints about ADHD therapies: send them our way! Practical, life-changing advice is always appreciated. The right support can make a real difference to a person’s daily life.