ADHD in Children: Signs, Symptoms and How to Get a Diagnosis
Children are naturally energetic, curious and easily distracted. They may struggle to sit still, lose focus or become excited and talk quickly - particularly when they are young.
For some children, however, difficulties with attention, hyperactivity or impulsivity are more persistent and begin to affect everyday life. In these cases, there may be an underlying neurodevelopmental condition such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
ADHD can affect attention, activity levels and impulse control. Symptoms usually begin during childhood, although they may not always be recognised straight away. ADHD can also present differently from one child to another, which can make identifying the signs more difficult.
Recognising when a child may need additional support can make an important difference. Understanding their needs can help parents, teachers and healthcare professionals put appropriate strategies in place and support their development, education and wellbeing.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity that can interfere with everyday functioning.
It is important to remember that many behaviours associated with ADHD are also a normal part of childhood development. A child occasionally losing concentration or finding it difficult to sit still does not necessarily mean they have ADHD.
When professionals assess a child for ADHD, they consider factors such as how persistent the symptoms are, the impact they have on the child's life and whether difficulties occur across different settings, such as at home and at school. NICE guidance states that symptoms should cause meaningful impairment and occur in two or more important settings for an ADHD diagnosis.
What Are the Different Types of ADHD?
ADHD is commonly described through three presentations, depending on which symptoms are most prominent.
Predominantly Hyperactive and Impulsive Presentation
Children with this presentation primarily experience difficulties relating to hyperactivity and impulse control.
Signs may include:
- Frequently fidgeting or finding it difficult to remain seated
- Feeling or appearing restless
- Running or moving around when it is inappropriate
- Finding quiet activities difficult
- Appearing to be constantly "on the go"
- Talking excessively
- Answering questions before they have been completed
- Finding it difficult to wait their turn
- Interrupting conversations or activities
Not every child with ADHD will demonstrate all of these behaviours, and how symptoms appear can change as they grow older.
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
Children with predominantly inattentive ADHD may experience more difficulty with concentration, organisation and completing tasks than with obvious hyperactivity.
Signs can include:
- Frequently losing or misplacing belongings
- Becoming easily distracted
- Forgetting everyday activities
- Finding it difficult to maintain attention
- Appearing not to listen when spoken to directly
- Struggling to follow instructions or complete tasks
- Avoiding tasks requiring prolonged concentration
- Missing details or making frequent careless mistakes
- Finding organisation and time management difficult
Combined Presentation
Combined ADHD is where a child experiences significant symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
The way ADHD presents can also change over time, so the difficulties a child experiences when they are young may not look exactly the same during adolescence or adulthood.
What Are the Signs of ADHD in a Child?
There is no single behavior that tells you whether a child has ADHD.
Instead, it is important to consider the frequency, persistence and impact of their behavior.
If you're concerned about your child, questions worth considering include:
- How often do these behaviors occur?
- Are they significantly different from what might be expected for their age?
- Are they affecting their education or ability to complete everyday activities?
- Are relationships with friends or family being affected?
- Do the difficulties happen both at home and at school?
- Have they persisted over time?
- Are they causing distress or significantly affecting the child's everyday life?
Parents looking to understand the condition further can also explore the resources available through ADHD UK.
How Do You Get an ADHD Diagnosis for a Child?
There isn't one simple medical test that can diagnose ADHD.
According to NICE guidance on ADHD diagnosis and management, ADHD should be diagnosed by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional with training and expertise in ADHD following a full clinical and psychosocial assessment.
If you are concerned about your child's behavior or attention, a useful first step is to gather information about what you have noticed.
Speak to Your Child's School
Talking to teachers, your child's SENCO or other professionals who regularly interact with them can help establish whether similar difficulties are occurring outside the home.
Feedback from school can also be useful during a professional assessment.
Speak to a Healthcare Professional
You can discuss your concerns with your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional. Depending on the severity and impact of the difficulties, they may recommend further support or referral to specialist services.
Attend a Specialist Assessment
An ADHD assessment may consider a child's:
- Behaviour and symptoms in different settings
- Developmental history
- Medical and mental health history
- Educational experiences
- Family and social circumstances
- Feedback from parents, teachers and other relevant people
Importantly, ADHD should not be diagnosed solely on the basis of a questionnaire or rating scale. These can provide useful information, but they form part of a broader specialist assessment.
What Happens After an ADHD Diagnosis?
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can give children and their families a clearer understanding of difficulties they may have been experiencing.
It can also open the door to appropriate support.
Support will depend on the individual child and may involve strategies at home and school, parent-focused support and, where clinically appropriate, other treatments recommended by an ADHD specialist.
Small changes to routines and communication can also be valuable. Parent Talk's guide to supporting a child with ADHD at home includes practical suggestions such as using visual timetables, communicating clearly and working with schools to maintain consistent strategies.
Early Understanding Can Make a Difference
ADHD isn't defined by a child simply being energetic, distracted or talkative.
The key consideration is whether patterns of inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity are persistent and having a meaningful impact on their everyday life.
A diagnosis isn't about putting a label on a child. It can provide greater understanding of their needs, identify their strengths and help families access appropriate support. A diagnosis can improve understanding of symptoms and access to services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can ADHD be diagnosed in children?
ADHD symptoms begin during childhood, although the age at which they are recognised or diagnosed varies. A professional will consider the child's age, development, how long symptoms have been present and how significantly they affect everyday life.
Can a child have ADHD without being hyperactive?
Yes. Children with a predominantly inattentive presentation may have significant difficulties with concentration, organisation, forgetfulness and completing tasks without displaying obvious hyperactivity. This can sometimes make their ADHD less noticeable.
What should I do if I think my child has ADHD?
You can start by speaking to your child's GP and discussing your concerns with their teacher or SENCO. Gathering examples of how their difficulties affect them at home and school can also be useful if they are referred for an ADHD assessment.
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