ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition. It can also be known as ADD (attention deficit disorder). The symptoms can be split into 3 categories, difficulties with attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

ADHD is a form of neurodiversity. This means that children and young people with ADHD think and work differently as their brains work slightly differently. ADHD does not affect intelligence. It cannot be 'cured' and it cannot be 'outgrown'. Children and young people with ADHD will grow up into adults with ADHD.

Explore topics on this page:

Types of ADHD

ADHD traits

ADHD strengths and 'superpowers'

Helping your child or young person with ADHD

Parenting a child or young person with ADHD

Common conditions for children and young people with ADHD

Types of ADHD

There are 3 types of ADHD.

Inattentive - This can look like your child being easily distracted, forgetful, having difficulties focusing on tasks or spacing out.

Hyperactive or impulsive - This can look like being fidgety, very energetic, impulsive, overly talkative or having racing thoughts.

Combined - This is the most common type of ADHD. It's a combination of the inattentive and hyperactive types.

ADHD traits

ADHD has a wide range of characteristics and traits. There isn't a specific way that ADHD 'should' look. ADHD can look very different in each child. Every child is unique, so their ADHD traits are going to be unique too.

The ADHD traits can be spotted at an early age. It's not usually possible to diagnose children with ADHD until they are 6 years old. This is because the traits associated with ADHD are part of the typical development of children between 2 to 5 years old. For example, we expect children under 5 to find it hard to sit still for long periods of time. ADHD traits often become more noticeable when children start school.

There are differences in how boys and girls show their ADHD traits. For example, boys are more likely to show their hyperactivity by running around or being disruptive. In girls, hyperactivity can look like talking a lot, doodling or fidgeting in their chair.

Impulsive

Finds it hard to wait for their turn
Interrupting people when they speak
Answers before a question is completed
Acts without thinking like jumping off playground equipment without thinking how or where they'll land
Expresses frustration by punching or screaming

Inattentive

Careless or silly mistakes in school work or activities
Short attention span
Does not appear to be listening
Struggles with organising
Avoids tasks that require lots of attention for a long time
Easily distracted
Loses things like toys, clothes, keys or homework
Forgetful
Does not notice when they need to eat, drink, sleep or go to the toilet

Hyperactivity

Fidgets a lot
Struggles to stay in their seat
Moves around a lot- like being powered by a motor
Loud
Doodles a lot
Talks a lot
Focuses on a specific topic or activity without noticing

ADHD strengths and 'superpowers'

child standing on chair in a superhero costume wearing a helmet and cape holding a megaphone

It can be easy to focus on what your child or young person is struggling with. People with ADHD have lots of different strengths that they can offer. It's really important to highlight your child or young person's strengths to them.

People with ADHD can be:

adaptable
creative
curious
energetic
enthusiastic
empathetic
flexible
funny
good under pressure
good at lots of different skills (a jack of all trades)
good at making connections
good at seeing and understanding emotions (emotionally intelligent)
good at spotting patterns
good at understanding things instinctively (intuitive)
open to new experiences
original
passionate
persistent
quick learning
resourceful
resilient
spontaneous

These are only some of the strengths your child or young person may have. Your child or young person's strengths will be as unique as they are.

Helping your child or young person with ADHD

It can be difficult to know where to start to help your child or young person with their ADHD. ADHD cannot be 'cured', but you can help your child or young person to manage their symptoms.

ADHD cannot be managed just using medication. Managing ADHD symptoms needs a combination of different elements, including:

learning and understanding ADHD (also known as psychoeducation)
a whole person approach
medication
therapy
behavioural strategies

Parenting a child or young person with ADHD

Children and young people with ADHD may need a slightly different approach to parenting. This is because their brains literally work in a different way.

Many parenting methods on behaviour require children to:

listen
organise and plan ahead
remember things
think before they act
be motivated by rewards

Children and young people with ADHD can have difficulties in some, if not all of these areas. It can make it really hard for them to follow instructions. This leads to frustration for both you and your child or young person.

Some small changes can make a big difference when parenting children and young people with ADHD.

Adding fixed routine and structure to your daily family life is really important. Routine, structure and staying consistent can really help children and young people with ADHD manage their behaviour.

Children and young people with ADHD can struggle with 'in-between' times. These are the times when they don't have complete freedom like on a playground but they also don't have clear structure like in a classroom.
Being able to communicate clearly is helpful for all children and young people. It can be particularly helpful for children and young people with ADHD.

The following techniques can help you to communicate clearly with your child or young person:

Make sure you have their attention before speaking. You can do this by calling your child by their name before you speak and waiting for them to look.

Try to be face-to-face with your child or young person. Get down to their level. You can do this by lying down or crouching. It makes it easier for them to see what you're saying. It also shows your child or young person that you're interested and helps them listen to you.

Speak clearly and enthusiastically. Use simple and direct words. Being enthusiastic shows you are interested in what they are saying and will help them to listen to you.

When giving instructions, give them clear step-by-step instructions. It may also be helpful for your child or young person to write down instructions so they can remember the steps.

Do not give them a new instruction whilst they are mid-task. Children and young people with ADHD can struggle to remember instructions. This will be even harder if they are already in the middle of a task or activity.
Figure out your values and priorities are in parenting. Try to focus on these important areas of parenting. Try to ignore smaller and less important things that you may find irritating.

This can be difficult to do. By ignoring the smaller irritations, you can focus your energy into your parenting priorities. This can make parenting more successful and more enjoyable for you and your child or young person.

Common conditions for children and young people with ADHD

This is not because they are being difficult or lazy. It's because their brains work differently from a chemical imbalance. These conditions are common in neurodivergent children and young people.

Man helping a child to learn from a book at home.

Executive dysfunction

People with ADHD often have difficulties with their executive functions. This is not because they are being difficult or lazy. Executive functions include focusing, planning, organising, memory, turn taking, and understanding positives and negatives of the situation.

Young girl climbing on a rope net climbing frame in a woodland adventure playground.

Hypermobility

Hypermobility is when someone has very flexible joints. It is also known as 'loose joints', being 'double jointed' or 'flexible'. It is caused by loose ligaments. This means that the joints to extend beyond the typical range.

Sensory processing differences

Some children and young people will experience their senses much stronger or weaker than other people. This can affect their day-to-day life. They may not want to take part in everyday activities. There are various strategies that can be used to help your child or young person.

We understand that waiting for an ADHD diagnosis is frustrating. We have created a list of books, resources and local organisations that can help whilst you wait.

Last reviewed: 27 November, 2024

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

Explore topics on this page:

Types of ADHD