Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children

Most children have trouble paying attention or staying still at times. When these behaviors are ongoing and disrupt daily life at home and at school, a child may have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Understanding the best care for your child starts with an appointment with your pediatrician. Together, you can talk about your child’s symptoms and whether to evaluate them for ADHD. The right diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan can help your child thrive at home and at school.

It is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control, and sometimes activity level. ADHD begins in childhood and can present differently based on a child’s age and gender.  

Doctors diagnose and identify one of three ADHD types.  

• Combined type: A child shows hyperactive, impulsive, and inattentive symptoms.
• Predominantly inattentive type: A child mainly has trouble paying attention.
• Hyperactive-impulsive type: A child mainly shows hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. 

Children with ADHD may have symptoms from one or more of these groups: hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. These symptoms vary by child, age, and gender. ADHD symptoms can interfere with a child's ability to function at home, at school, or in social settings. Some symptoms may not appear until a child is in a school setting. 

• Constant movement or restlessness
• Excessive talking
• Fidgeting or squirming
• Trouble engaging in quiet activities
• Trouble staying on task
• Trouble staying seated 

• Forgetfulness in daily activities (such as doing chores)
• Frequently losing items (such as school supplies)
• Getting easily distracted (such as by surroundings)
• Short attention span
• Trouble finishing tasks or following instructions
• Trouble listening to others
• Trouble paying attention to details
• Trouble staying organized 

• Acting without thinking
• Blurting out answers before being called on
• Frequently interrupting others
• Trouble waiting for a turn in school or games 

Schedule an appointment with your pediatrician if you are concerned that your child is showing ADHD symptoms that affect how they function at home and at school. Together, you may go over questions like:  

• When did you start noticing the symptoms?
• Has a teacher, school counselor, or coach noticed symptoms?
• Does your child have trouble with homework or tests?
• Does your child have trouble making or keeping friends?
• Does your child seem anxious or sad?  
• Does your child eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep?

Your pediatrician will discuss next steps, including if an ADHD evaluation is needed.  

There is no single test to diagnose ADHD. A comprehensive evaluation reviews your child’s physical, neurological, and psychological health. Your pediatrician does an initial screening and may refer you to a behavioral health professional (such as a psychologist or psychiatrist) to help make a diagnosis.  

An evaluation typically includes:

• A review of when symptoms started and how they affect your child at home and at school.
• A physical exam to rule out conditions that share similar symptoms with ADHD.
• A psychological exam to rule out learning disorders or mental health conditions.
• Questionnaires for parents to rate how often and how severely symptoms occur. With permission, caregivers, teachers, school counselors, or coaches who interact with the child daily also complete them. 

If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, many options can manage symptoms and improve their daily life at home and at school. Treatments are personalized based on your child’s age and specific needs.  

The most common treatments for ADHD in children include behavioral therapy, medicine, and lifestyle changes. Most children benefit from a combination of treatments.