Other problems which can look like ADHD:

Many children diagnosed with ADHD may be suffering from problems, such as anxiety, depression, abuse and neglect issues, even reactions to certain asthma and allergy medications, which can produce behaviors that look like ADHD symptoms.  Early and frequent ear infections can lead to auditory processing and sensory integration difficulties, and learning problems. As a result, school delivers significant frustration rather than a sense of accomplishment.  Sleep disorders are very common can be the cause rather than the result of ADHD. When these issues and others are addressed in therapy and at home and school, the ADHD-like symptoms are often significantly relieved and medication is not necessary.

Often overlooked are the differences in learning styles. We don't all learn things in the same way. Some of us learn best by watching, others by doing or being told how to do it, and a few by figuring it out by themselves. When I'm being forced to learn it this way when I learn much better and faster that way, I get frustrated. As an adult, I can usually work around that and find an OK solution. A child's options are usually limited to, "I hate this!" or "I hate me!" Once again, the anxiety levels rise so learning and self-management are going to be reduce.

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