ADHD Symptoms In Kids: What To Look For

Medically reviewed by Laura Angers Maddox
Updated February 26, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team
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Children are often full of energy and excitement. However, there can be cases where parents and caregivers may wonder whether that excitement is a sign of an underlying mental difference. 

If your child's symptoms are causing functional difficulties at home and school, it may be beneficial to talk to a professional. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a condition that affects brain development and can impact a child’s school functioning, capacity for social interaction, and emotional well-being. There are several signs of ADHD in teens and children that parents can look for to ensure their child receives quality and early support. 

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Learning to navigate ADHD symptoms can be hard

What is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental mental health condition and form of neurodivergence that can cause a recurring pattern of inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD is a lifelong condition that can cause functional difficulty in professional, social, educational, and personal performance. 

ADHD symptoms in children often begin to appear after age three, and many cases are diagnosed when children are under 12 years old. Although ADHD diagnoses can happen at any age, adults who are diagnosed with ADHD must have experienced symptoms since adulthood to be diagnosed. Still, due to a lack of awareness of how ADHD can manifest, symptoms may go unnoticed for years.

ADHD diagnoses are divided into three presentations based on the present symptoms, including the following. 

Primarily inattentive ADHD (ADHD-PI) 

The inattentive type of ADHD, once called attention deficit disorder (ADD), can impact a child's ability to connect to their surroundings. A child with this presentation may struggle to pay attention, keep focus, listen to and follow directions, and stay organized. Those who receive a primarily inattentive diagnosis show little to no symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity. 

Primarily hyperactive and impulsive ADHD (ADHD-HI) 

Children with predominately hyperactive/impulsive type ADHD tend to have high energy levels and trouble considering the consequences of their actions. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), a child with ADHD-HI may have a hard time “waiting his or her turn” and may struggle to “stay seated” or “do leisure activities quietly”. They may also make impulsive decisions and act without thinking, potentially causing disruptions in their environments. Those with this diagnosis may not show symptoms of inattention, though hyperactivity can decrease focus. Older children may have trouble playing by rules set out by authority figures.  

Combined type 

The most diagnosed type of ADHD is combined ADHD, a mixture of ADHD-HI and ADHD-PI symptoms. Children with this presentation show symptoms of each. 

What causes ADHD?

ADHD is thought to develop during early childhood. Areas in the brain associated with activity level and focus are thought to have decreased activity levels in children with ADHD. Exactly what produces these brain changes is less clear. Some scientists believe that ADHD may be caused by a combination of genetics, adversity in the home, substance use during pregnancy, and dopamine deficiencies. Additionally, many experts think that certain environmental factors, such as excessive screen time, can worsen ADHD symptoms in children. 

Common risk factors for ADHD in children include:

  • Smoking during pregnancy

  • Drinking alcohol during pregnancy

  • Using illicit substances (e.g., recreational drugs) during pregnancy

  • Premature birth

  • Exposure to certain environmental toxins, including lead

  • Head trauma and brain injury at a young age

Note that ADHD is considered a form of neurodivergence, a brain difference that cannot be "cured" or "removed." For this reason, some adults with ADHD identify with the diagnosis as their core identity instead of a disability. Some believe that ADHD would not be as disabling if accommodations were present in their life. Professionals who take a neurodivergent-centered approach to treatment may focus on alleviating symptoms of the condition and helping individuals manage daily life instead of attempting to "cure" or "change" the child or adult. 

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Signs and symptoms of ADHD in children

ADHD presents itself at a young age, so distinguishing symptoms from general childlike behavior may be challenging. Children, regardless of whether they have ADHD, can be naturally distractible and energetic. 

To recognize the signs of ADHD in children, it may be helpful to refer to the three presentations of ADHD: ADHD-PI, ADHD-HI, and combined type. Children who exhibit multiple symptoms from one category may be experiencing ADHD, especially if these observations impact their daily lives.

Symptoms of inattentive ADHD 

Inattentive symptoms of ADHD include the following: 

  • Difficulty paying attention, such as listening in class 

  • Disliking activities that require prolonged attention, like reading 

  • Frequently forgetting appointments, homework, upcoming tests, etc.

  • Not following through with tasks like homework or chores

  • Struggling with organization and constantly losing books, pencils, phones, etc.

  • Distracting easily 

  • Daydreaming, staring off into space, and not listening when being spoken to

Symptoms of hyperactive and impulsive ADHD

Below are some of the symptoms of ADHD-HI: 

  • Constant talking, even after being instructed to stay quiet 

  • Restlessness, constantly being "on the go" 

  • Running around and playing, even in calm settings

  • Constant fidgeting or tapping

  • Being prone to intense emotional changes, such as exciting quickly or having strong reactions to minor stimuli

  • Experiencing impatience and difficulty waiting

  • Interrupting others 

Symptoms of combined type ADHD 

For combined ADHD, symptoms in kids consist of symptoms from both above lists. However, children with combined-type ADHD don't necessarily have a more severe diagnosis. The symptoms they experience may just be spread more evenly among the two subtypes. 

Symptoms of other mental disorders

Sometimes, people with ADHD experience comorbid mental health challenges. Symptoms of a behavioral condition (such as oppositional defiant disorder) or another developmental disorder (such autism spectrum disorder) may be present in a child with ADHD. For example, in addition to the above symptoms, a child who is living with comorbid ADHD and conduct disorder may exhibit antisocial behaviors (e.g., being hostile, harming people). Additionally, concerns like low self-esteem can contribute to further mental health challenges, such as depression. Because ADHD symptoms in kids can reflect other mental health conditions or be the byproduct of childhood development, speak with a healthcare professional if you notice these symptoms in your child. 

ADHD tests and diagnoses

If left unmanaged, ADHD can cause significant personal and professional problems as a child develops into adulthood. If you have concerns about your child's mental health, it may be beneficial to speak with a child psychiatrist or other mental health professional.

Like other mental health conditions, there may not be one medical test a child can take to get a "certain" diagnosis. To get an accurate ADHD diagnosis for your child, healthcare professionals may gather information from you, other family members, their teachers, any counselors, and the child themselves.

A diagnosis may depend on the severity of the symptoms a child experiences and how significantly they impact daily life. Your doctor or mental health professional may ask questions that help them uncover the extent of your child's experiences. For example, they may ask the following:

  • Do the symptoms cause disruptions and challenges at school? 

  • Are these behaviors relatively constant, or do they only arise in specific situations? 

  • How long has your child been experiencing these symptoms? 

  • Does anything help your child control when they have severe symptoms? 

  • Do you have a family history of ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or another form of neurodivergence? 

  • Does your child experience sleep problems?

  • Did your child have typical developmental milestones in their early years? 

A diagnosis of ADHD may be made if the child has shown at least six symptoms of the disorder in more than one setting consistently over the past six months. 

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Learning to navigate ADHD symptoms can be hard

How treatment can positively impact a child’s behavior

To support a child with ADHD, it can be essential to understand neurodivergence and ADHD symptoms. Because many of the symptoms ADHD causes happen in the brain, some caregivers may misunderstand how they influence a child's behavior. For example, someone may mistakenly label a child as "lazy," "unmotivated," or "crazy" instead of seeing their symptoms as a sign of an underlying concern. If you’d like to learn more about ADHD, its symptoms, and treatment options, consider visiting the website of the National Resource Center on ADHD

There may be several approaches used to treat ADHD, depending on the child’s age, the specific behavior problems they experience, and the presence of any comorbid conditions. The child’s doctor may prescribe a stimulant or non-stimulant form of medication, which can help with several common symptoms, such as difficulty listening, inability to engage in quiet activities, and trouble focusing on school work. Always consult with a healthcare professional prior to starting or stopping any medication. 

Another option that can bring about significant change for children with ADHD and their families is the support of a mental health professional. Working with a therapist offers a way to gain insight into supporting a child with ADHD. If you are busy with parenting or other obligations, you can also try online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp. Teens can sign up for online therapy with parental permission through an online platform like TeenCounseling for ages 13 to 19.  

Professionals can offer support and effective treatment options online. A recent study demonstrated that online therapy may be an effective way to improve symptoms of ADHD for adults and children. The same study also noted that online therapy was a practical resource for supporting families of those with ADHD. 

Takeaway

A combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and therapy, all individualized to the child, may help families manage ADHD. Children with ADHD may have unique needs but can still live happy, fulfilled, and successful lives. If you are experiencing mental health challenges due to your child's mental health, you can also reach out to a professional at any time online or in your area for further support. You're not alone.

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