______ is not a mandatory symptom for an Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → IQ below 70
The two main features of ADHD are inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. A low IQ is not one of them; it belongs to another neurodevelopmental disorder.
Option (1) Inattention — A feature of ADHD (Incorrect). Inattentive children find it difficult to sustain mental effort during work or play; they do not listen, cannot concentrate, are easily distracted and do not finish assignments.
Option (2) IQ below 70 — Not a feature of ADHD (Correct). An IQ of about 70 or below marks intellectual disability: below average intellectual functioning with deficits in adaptive behaviour, such as communication and self-care, shown before the age of 18. A child with ADHD need not have a low IQ at all.
Option (3) Impulsivity — A feature of ADHD (Incorrect). Impulsive children cannot control their immediate reactions or think before they act; they find it hard to wait or take turns.
Option (4) Hyperactivity — A feature of ADHD (Incorrect). Children with ADHD are in constant motion; sitting still through a lesson is impossible for them.
NCERT (2025-26): “Neurodevelopmental Disorders … The two main features of ADHD are inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Children who are inattentive find it difficult to sustain mental effort during work or play. They have a hard time keeping their minds on any one thing or in following instructions. Common complaints are that the child does not listen, cannot concentrate, does not follow instructions, is disorganised, easily distracted, forgetful, does not finish assignments, and is quick to lose interest in boring activities. Children who are impulsive seem unable to control their immediate reactions or to think before they act. They find it difficult to wait or take turns, have difficulty resisting immediate temptations or delaying gratification. Minor mishaps such as knocking things over are common whereas more serious accidents and injuries can also occur. Hyperactivity also takes many forms. Children with ADHD are in constant motion. Sitting still through a lesson is impossible for them. The child may fidget, squirm, climb and run around the room aimlessly. Parents and teachers describe them as ‘driven by a motor’, always on the go, and talk incessantly.…” “Neurodevelopmental Disorders … Intellectual disability refers to below average intellectual functioning (with an IQ of approximately 70 or below), and deficits or impairments in adaptive behaviour (i.e. in the areas of communication, self-care, home living, social/interpersonal skills, functional academic skills, work, etc.) which are manifested before the age of 18 years.…” |