Do You Think Berticus has ADHD?

Berticus, the lead character in Brian Silbert’s book, Berticus: How I Survived School! And Bullies! And Farley Finnigan, seems to have many symptoms that coincide with the diagnoses of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In fact, they found it to be a good fit for the CHADD National Resource Center (NRC) Library collection. It is listed in their catalog, Books for Children, and Books for Educators.

What do you think? Does Berticus really have ADHD or is he the typical fifth grader trying to get through school and life? Realistically, most children and adults have difficulty sitting still and staying focused when having to do something they’re not interested in.

According to the DSM-5, several symptoms are required to be present before the age of 12. Well, Berticus is 10. In making the diagnosis, children should have six or more symptoms of the disorder present. The DSM-5 lists three presentations of ADHD—Predominantly Inattentive, Hyperactive-Impulsive and Combined. The symptoms for each are adapted and summarized below.

ADHD predominantly inattentive presentation

• Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
• Has difficulty sustaining attention
• Does not appear to listen
• Struggles to follow through with instructions
• Has difficulty with organization
• Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort
• Loses things
• Is easily distracted
• Is forgetful in daily activities

ADHD predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation

• Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in chair
• Has difficulty remaining seated
• Runs about or climbs excessively in children; extreme restlessness in adults
• Difficulty engaging in activities quietly
• Acts as if driven by a motor; adults will often feel inside as if they are driven by a motor
• Talks excessively
• Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
• Difficulty waiting or taking turns
• Interrupts or intrudes upon others

It seems that Berticus has inattentive ADHD because he certainly is not talking excessively and isn’t running and climbing all over. However he has difficulty staying focused on what Ms. Vanderbeek is teaching, and he definitely struggles to follow through with instructions. But then again, is it that he is just not interested in what she is teaching? He certainly came through when his homework was to create something from colonial days. So, what do you think, does Berticus have ADHD?  What’s your diagnosis?