As a parent, you might have heard about ADHD and be asking yourself if it’s something that might be relevant to your family. Recognising the signs of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) can be an important step in providing the right support for your child.

ADHD is actually one of the most common neurological differences in the UK. Estimates suggest anywhere between 1.5-11 percent of children between 5-15 have this condition.

What are some signs of ADHD?

All children struggle with attention at times, but for kids with ADHD, these struggles are more frequent and intense. The traits of ADHD are typically noticeable before the age of six and can be seen in various settings, such as home and school.

ADHD traits generally fall into two categories: inattentiveness and hyperactivity.

Inattentiveness: Children who are easily distracted may have trouble focusing and staying on task. They might miss important details, forget assignments or seem absent-minded. Daydreaming or dawdling can also be common. You might notice they frequently misplace things or struggle to follow through on instructions, especially if the tasks are tedious.

Hyperactivity: Hyperactive children may seem restless or fidgety, often struggling to sit still. They may rush through tasks, interrupt others or climb and jump in situations where it’s not appropriate. Their excitement can sometimes lead to actions that disrupt those around them.

Here are some specific signs on each of these.

Inattentiveness signs may include:

• A short attention span and being easily distracted
• Making careless mistakes, especially in schoolwork
• Appearing forgetful or losing items frequently
• Difficulty sticking to tasks that require sustained effort
• Inability to listen to or follow through on instructions
• Frequently switching between activities
• Struggling to organise tasks and activities

Hyperactivity signs may include:

• Difficulty remaining seated, particularly in quiet settings
• Constantly fidgeting or moving around
• Trouble concentrating on tasks
• Excessive physical movement or talking
• Impatience when waiting for their turn
• Acting without thinking things through
• Interrupting others frequently
• Lacking awareness of potential dangers
  
  

Perspectives

ADHD is sometimes portrayed by the media in a negative light, but this is not a fair representation. The term ‘attention deficit’, for example, is a misleading one. Actually, individuals with ADHD often have lots of attention – and are thinking about lots of things at a time!

The difficulty can come more from focusing on one thing amongst many others, rather than a ‘deficit’ of attention.

Girls and boys

More boys than girls are diagnosed with ADHD, but some suggest this could be down to how the condition may present differently in boys and girls. Boys often display more overt hyperactive traits, while girls may be more prone to inattentiveness, which can lead to them being overlooked.

Because of this, research suggests that girls are underdiagnosed relative to boys. You can find some interesting studies on this, such as this paper from 2013.

So, what next?

If you think your child may have ADHD, you can speak to your doctor or your child’s school to begin the process of obtaining a diagnosis. They will refer you to a specialist who will likely ask questions about your child’s health and traits, before going through a formal assessment.

There are a number of ways to support children with ADHD. Support typically takes a holistic approach, combining therapy, lifestyle choices, nutrition (although it should be noted that ADHD is not caused by certain diets, but that diet can be one way to support those managing ADHD) and medication. A combination of these is often used.

Medications, such as methylphenidate, may benefit children by supporting their concentration and helping them feel calmer and less impulsive. Therapy might also help kids with developing social and emotional skills, as well as parent coaching to equip you with strategies to respond to challenges.

If you would like to learn more about neurodiversity in children and support for you as a parent, you can read more here.