What Is ADHD?
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. People with ADHD have differences in how their brain develops and works. This may cause problems with their attention, ability to sit still, and practice self-control. ADHD can affect children and teens at school, at home, and in friendships.
The signs of ADHD start early in childhood, but some people don't find out they have it until they're older. It depends on when ADHD keeps them from doing well and when they see a doctor about it.
No matter at what age people find out they have ADHD, the right treatment can help them do better in all areas of life. Having support from parents, teachers, and friends goes a long way.
Top Things to Know
What ADHD Is
ADHD is a brain condition that affects how kids and teens focus, sit still, and behave.
Emotional Reactions
Kids with ADHD may be impatient and show strong emotional reactions to small things.
Treatment Works
Behavior therapy and medicine can help treat ADHD. Support from parents and teachers is also important.
Common Confusion
ADHD can sometimes be mistaken for normal childhood behavior, mainly in younger kids.
Signs & Symptoms
What Is Typical Behavior?
At times, all kids have trouble paying attention, listening and following directions, sitting still, or waiting their turn. In fact, these habits are common in very young children. Attention, activity, and self-control develop little by little as children grow. Kids learn these skills with help from parents and teachers.
But when children keep having trouble and start to have problems at school, home, and with friends, it may be ADHD.
Kids and teens with ADHD can show signs in different areas, such as being inattentive (easily distracted), hyperactive, and impulsive. A child may have one type of ADHD or a combination of types.
Inattentive
This means having trouble focusing attention, concentrating, and staying on task.
Common Signs:
- • May miss important details
- • Not listen well to directions
- • Not finish what they start
- • Daydream or dawdle too much
- • Seem forgetful
- • Lose track of their things
- • Need lots of reminders
What It Looks Like:
- • Difficulty following through on tasks
- • Appearing to not listen when spoken to
- • Easily distracted by external stimuli
- • Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
- • Avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort
- • Frequently loses things needed for tasks
Hyperactive
Kids and teens who are hyperactive are fidgety, restless, and easily bored.
Common Signs:
- • Get frustrated easily
- • Have trouble sitting still
- • Have trouble staying quiet when needed
- • Rush through things
- • Make careless mistakes
- • Climb, jump, or roughhouse when they shouldn't
- • Act in ways that disrupt others (without meaning to)
What It Looks Like:
- • Fidgeting with hands or feet
- • Leaving seat when staying seated is expected
- • Running or climbing in inappropriate situations
- • Difficulty playing quietly
- • Often "on the go" or acts as if "driven by a motor"
- • Talks excessively
Impulsive
Kids and teens who are impulsive act too quickly before thinking.
Common Signs:
- • Often talk or call out answers in class
- • Interrupt others
- • Push or grab
- • Find it hard to wait
- • Do things without asking for permission
- • Take things that aren't theirs
- • Act in ways that are risky
- • Get upset easily
What It Looks Like:
- • Blurting out answers before questions are completed
- • Difficulty waiting for turn
- • Interrupting or intruding on others
- • Acting without considering consequences
- • Difficulty regulating emotions
- • Making hasty decisions
Additional Concerns
Kids and teens with ADHD sometimes have:
- • Learning problems — difficulty with reading, writing, or math
- • Challenging behaviors — oppositional or defiant behaviors
- • Anxiety and depression — emotional struggles that can co-occur
- • Substance use — they're more likely to drink alcohol and use drugs, especially if untreated
What Causes ADHD?
It's not clear what causes the brain differences of ADHD. The condition can be inherited (passed from parents to their children). Many kids and teens with ADHD have a parent or relative who has it.
Possible Risk Factors
- • Genetics — ADHD tends to run in families
- • Premature birth — kids born early may be more likely to have it
- • Exposure to toxins — exposure to harmful toxins (poisons) like lead
- • Prenatal exposure — exposure to drugs, alcohol, or tobacco during pregnancy
- • Brain differences — differences in brain structure and function
Important: What Does NOT Cause ADHD
ADHD is NOT caused by poor parenting.
ADHD is a neurobiological condition, not a result of parenting style, too much screen time, or eating too much sugar. While these factors may affect behavior, they do not cause ADHD.
How Is ADHD Diagnosed?
To diagnose ADHD, your doctor will ask about your child's health, behavior, and activity. There are no lab tests or blood tests for ADHD. Diagnosis is based on a comprehensive evaluation.
Medical Evaluation
- • Your child will likely have a checkup
- • Vision and hearing tests to rule out other conditions
- • Review of medical history
- • Discussion of symptoms and concerns
Behavioral Assessment
- • If kids are old enough, the doctor may have them fill out checklists about their behavior
- • You'll be given checklists to complete as well
- • Information about your child's behavior in the classroom is important
- • Your child's teachers may be asked to fill out checklists
- • Evaluation looks at behavior across multiple settings (home, school, social)
What to Expect
The doctor will evaluate whether symptoms are present in multiple settings, cause significant impairment, and have been present for at least 6 months. They'll also rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms.
How Is ADHD Treated?
Treatment for ADHD may include a mix of medicine, therapy, and support at home and school. The best treatment plan is individualized and often involves multiple approaches.
Medicine
ADHD medicines may help kids pay attention, slow down, and use more self-control. There are different types of medications that work in different ways.
Important Medication Tips:
- • Give it exactly as your doctor says — follow dosage instructions carefully
- • Ask about side effects — know what to watch for, like being less hungry
- • Learn how to help avoid side effects — your doctor can provide guidance
- • Keep medicines in a safe place — store securely, out of reach of children
- • Monitor effectiveness — work with your doctor to adjust as needed
- • Don't stop medication without consulting your doctor — sudden stops can cause problems
Behavior Therapy
Therapists can help kids develop the social, emotional, and planning skills that need to be made stronger with ADHD. Therapy can also teach parents coaching skills.
For Kids:
- • Develop social skills
- • Learn emotional regulation
- • Improve planning and organization
- • Build self-control
- • Learn coping strategies
For Parents:
- • Learn coaching skills
- • Best ways to respond to emotional or behavior problems
- • Positive parenting strategies
- • Understanding ADHD behaviors
It's important to go to all therapy visits for the best results.
Home Support
There's a lot parents can do to help kids and teens with ADHD. The right support can make a big difference in their well-being.
Be Involved and Learn
- • Be involved and learn all you can about ADHD
- • Follow the treatment your doctor recommends
- • Stay informed about ADHD research and strategies
- • Connect with other parents of kids with ADHD
Parenting Strategies
Learn what ways of parenting are best for a child with ADHD — and which ones can make it frustrating for you both.
- • Instead of saying "Stop," or "No," often, try to focus on giving clear instructions, one at a time
- • Give praise if your child follows through
- • Talk openly and supportively about ADHD
- • Focus on your child's strengths and positive qualities
- • Use positive reinforcement
- • Establish consistent routines
Lifestyle Support
Encourage your child to:
- • Eat healthy food — balanced nutrition can help with symptoms
- • Get enough sleep — adequate sleep is crucial for managing ADHD
- • Be active every day — regular exercise can help reduce hyperactivity and improve focus
- • Practice deep breathing — can help with self-regulation and emotional control
These things may help manage ADHD symptoms.
School Support
Teachers can help kids with ADHD do well and enjoy school more, and parents play an important part.
Communication with Teachers
- • Talk with your child's teachers about any concerns you have
- • Tell them about past school years and what seems to work best
- • Ask about using a behavior tracker where teachers can record how your child does in class
- • Meet with teachers often to find out how things are going at school
- • Let your child see that you and the teachers are part of a support team
Classroom Accommodations
- • Work with teachers to break schoolwork into smaller parts
- • Help your child organize things
- • Ask that your child sit where there are fewer distractions, like away from windows or kids who talk a lot
- • Request quick breaks to get up and move during class
IEP and 504 Plans
- • Ask teachers if your child should have an individualized education program (IEP) or a 504 plan
- • These provide in-school support for kids that often helps them focus better
- • Work with the school to develop appropriate accommodations
- • Ensure plans are being followed and updated as needed
With the Right Treatment
With the right ADHD treatment, parents, teachers, and therapists can help kids get better at paying attention, slowing down, and gaining self-control. They can teach kids to use their strengths and energy in positive ways. Kids with ADHD can improve their focus, do well in school and activities they enjoy, and feel good about themselves.
What Else Should I Know?
Understanding the Challenges
Having ADHD can be tough. Parents may be tempted to scold kids for things they can't help — like not listening, getting distracted, or doing things too fast. Sometimes other kids get angry with them, too. That can make your child feel embarrassed or sad.
At times, kids may mistakenly blame themselves for ADHD. Be sure they know that ADHD isn't their fault and that they can learn ways to control it.
Getting Support
When your child has ADHD, it's important to connect with others and get updates on treatment and parenting. Support can come from:
- • Your doctor or therapist — ask about local support groups
- • CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) — a national organization with resources and support groups
- • Online communities — connect with other parents facing similar challenges
- • School resources — school counselors and special education coordinators
- • Mental health professionals — therapists specializing in ADHD
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Will my child outgrow ADHD?
A: ADHD is a lifelong condition, but symptoms can change over time. Many children learn to manage their symptoms better as they mature and develop coping strategies. Some people continue to experience symptoms into adulthood, while others may see significant improvement. Early diagnosis and treatment can help children develop the skills they need to succeed.
Q: Is medication the only treatment for ADHD?
A: No. While medication can be very helpful, the most effective treatment typically combines medication (when appropriate) with behavior therapy, parent training, and school support. Many children benefit from a comprehensive approach that includes multiple strategies tailored to their individual needs.
Q: How can I help my child with ADHD control their temper?
A: Controlling outbursts can be hard for kids with ADHD. Here are some strategies:
- • Teach emotional regulation skills
- • Help them recognize triggers
- • Practice calming techniques (deep breathing, counting)
- • Model appropriate emotional responses
- • Provide consistent consequences and rewards
- • Consider working with a therapist to develop anger management strategies
Q: How can I teach my child self-control?
A: Self-control is a skill that can be learned. Try these approaches:
- • Use positive reinforcement for self-controlled behavior
- • Practice waiting and turn-taking through games
- • Use visual cues and reminders
- • Break tasks into smaller steps
- • Teach problem-solving strategies
- • Be patient and consistent — it takes time to develop these skills
Q: How can I help my child handle stress?
A: In small amounts, stress can help kids rise to a challenge. But over time, too much stress can affect their mental and physical health. Tips to help:
- • Help them identify sources of stress
- • Teach relaxation techniques (deep breathing, mindfulness)
- • Ensure adequate sleep and exercise
- • Maintain consistent routines
- • Break down overwhelming tasks
- • Encourage open communication about feelings
- • Model healthy stress management
Q: Can diet or supplements help with ADHD?
A: While a healthy diet is important for overall well-being, there's limited evidence that specific diets or supplements can treat ADHD. However, some children may benefit from avoiding certain foods or additives if they cause behavioral issues. Always consult with your doctor before making significant dietary changes or adding supplements, as some can interact with medications or may not be safe.
Q: How do I know if my child really has ADHD or is just active and inattentive?
A: The key difference is that ADHD symptoms are persistent, occur in multiple settings (home, school, social), cause significant impairment, and are more severe than typical childhood behavior. If your child's inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity is consistently causing problems at school, home, and with friends for at least 6 months, it's worth having them evaluated by a healthcare professional. A thorough evaluation can help determine if it's ADHD or something else.
Key Takeaways
Brain Condition
ADHD is a neurobiological condition, not caused by parenting
Effective Treatment
Combination of medication, therapy, and support works best
Success Possible
With proper support, kids with ADHD can thrive
⚠️ Important Note
This article provides general information and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult your child's healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and any questions about ADHD. If you have concerns about your child's behavior or development, speak with your pediatrician or a qualified mental health professional.