ADHD in Children

• OVERVIEW
• SYMPTOMS
• ADULTS
• CHILDREN
• WOMEN
• DIAGNOSIS
• TREATMENT
• MEDICATION

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, can look different in every child. Some children struggle with attention and organisation, while others find it hard to sit still or manage their impulses.

As a parent, it’s not always easy to know whether these behaviours are part of normal development or something more.

This guide is based on current clinical understanding of ADHD and professional experience in neurodevelopmental disorders. It explains ADHD in children in a straightforward and supportive way. It covers what ADHD is, its symptoms, and how it is diagnosed. It also discusses treatment options and how to support your children at home and school.

Key Takeaways

• ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, activity levels, and self-control in children.
• Symptoms can vary widely, which is why professional assessment is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
• Treatment often includes a combination of medication, behavioural therapy, and parent-led strategies.
• With the right support at home and school, children with ADHD can learn, grow, and thrive over time.

What Is ADHD in Children?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way the brain develops and regulates focus, energy, and self-control. 

It is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders that affects children. This long-term condition can’t be outgrown. However, it can be managed, even in younger kids. They can build skills over time, which help them cope and thrive.

Even though the exact cause of ADHD has still not been identified, research is leaning towards genetic factors playing a significant role.

ADHD is also called a neurodivergent condition because a child with this disorder is born with genetic changes that cause their brain to develop differently. They have low levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger.

Some research also shows that metabolism is lower in the areas of the brain associated with attention, control, and movement in children with ADHD.  

What Are the Symptoms of ADHD in Kids?

Symptoms of ADHD are divided into three main categories: inattention, hyperactivity- impulsivity, and combined symptoms.

Inattention symptoms affect the child’s ability to focus on and complete a task. These symptoms include:

• Getting easily distracted
• Failing to pay attention to their tasks, which causes them to make careless mistakes
• Avoiding tasks that require focus for long periods
• Forgetting to do things they are supposed to do
• Having difficulty organising things
• Losing things easily

Hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms affect a child’s ability to stay still or feel comfortable in one place.

Some specific symptoms include:

• Difficulty waiting for their turn to do something
• Feeling restless, fidgeting, making small movements with their fingers, hands, or feet, running, or jumping when they are supposed to sit or stay in one place
• Getting up frequently when they are supposed to stay seated
• Interrupting what others are doing
• Speaking out of turn or finishing others’ sentences

Combined symptoms are a combination of inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

You can find a more detailed list of these symptoms on our ADHD symptoms in children checklist. 

You may have noticed that both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms are typical behaviours of many children. This means a proper diagnosis is needed to ascertain if a child has ADHD or is simply a high-energy kid.

How Is ADHD Diagnosed in Young Kids?

Diagnosing attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in preschoolers and younger kids can sometimes be difficult because some developmental issues can be mistaken for ADHD.

Examples of these developmental issues include speech and language delays and difficulty expressing emotions.

Younger or preschool-aged children need to undergo proper evaluation by a clinician to obtain a formal diagnosis. 

ADHD in babies is often not diagnosed at this stage because there are no clear guidelines yet for children under four years of age.

A formal diagnosis for kids often includes a childhood ADHD assessment,which involves gathering information from the parent or guardian and teachers. An important part of the assessment is the interview with the child,  which can be done with the parent or guardian present.

It may also include a medical exam to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms and the use of an ADHD online test and rating scales.

Treatment Options for Childhood ADHD

Treatment options for kids with ADHD depend on the child’s age, health, and severity of symptoms. However, a typical treatment plan includes medication and behaviour therapy.

Prescription medicines include stimulants that balance chemicals in the brain, which can help the child focus and reduce other symptoms of ADHD.

Non-stimulant medications are also prescribed with stimulants to further reduce other symptoms.

A clinician may recommend cognitive behavioural therapy to help the child learn problem-solving skills and to express their emotions appropriately.

Parents of younger kids with ADHD may also participate in behaviour management training. These classes aim to teach parents strategies for guiding their child and finding support.

How to Support a Child With ADHD at Home and School

You can help your child manage their symptoms at home with these tips:

• Keep your child healthy by helping them develop good eating habits, such as eating more vegetables, fruits, lean meats, and whole grains, and drinking plenty of water daily.
• Encourage them to be more physically active by playing age-appropriate games and engaging in other activities outdoors.
• Help your child with their schoolwork, and revisions or hire a tutor with experience teaching kids with ADHD to work with them.
• Limit their daily screen time.
• Ensure they get the recommended amount of sleep for their age regularly.

To ensure your child still gets a quality education, find a school that provides special education services and accommodations. Discuss your little one’s diagnosis with the staff and teachers so that they may provide special educational needs (SEN) support or an education, health, and care plan (EHCP) that meets your child’s learning requirements.

Your child may be provided special arrangements in the classroom to help them have better, more rewarding learning experiences. This may include modified seating arrangements to accommodate them, differently worded instructions, or support from teaching assistants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are additional details worth reading about ADHD in children:

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