Which developmental disorder is characterized by hyperactivity, talkativeness, and inattentiveness?

• A. ADD/ADHD
• B. Autism
• C. Cerebral palsy
• D. Alzheimer's disease

Answer: (A)

The described signs point to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD. This neurodevelopmental condition typically appears in childhood and features a pattern of inattention along with hyperactivity and impulsivity. People may struggle to stay focused, become easily distracted, forget details, fidget, and talk excessively at times. ADHD includes different presentations, such as predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or a combined type. The term ADD is an older label that’s largely folded into ADHD today, with inattentive symptoms still recognized as part of the spectrum.

Other options don’t fit as well because they describe different conditions. Autism involves core challenges with social communication and restrictive, repetitive behaviors rather than primarily hyperactive or distractible behavior. Cerebral palsy is a motor disorder affecting movement and posture due to brain injury or development, not defined primarily by attention or hyperactivity issues. Alzheimer’s disease involves progressive memory loss and cognitive decline in older adults, not a childhood neurodevelopmental pattern.