Does my child have ADHD

Many parents quietly ask the same question: does my child have adhd? You may see constant fidgeting, short bursts of focus, or instructions that are forgotten minutes later. These signs can appear in many children and teenagers, yet they are also common in adhd in children — a brain-development condition that affects paying attention, self-control, and energy.

This guide shows clear signs of adhd, explains how a quick adhd test or screening tool can help, and when to book an adhd assessment with a mental health professional. We also note your options if you want a faster route, including a private ADHD assessment or the right to choose ADHD provider where that applies.

What ADHD looks like day to day

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — sometimes written “deficit hyperactivity disorder adhd” — is not caused by poor parenting. It’s about how attention and control systems grow. Patterns appear in more than one place (home and school) and across time.

• Attention. Starts a task, then loses the next step; is
• Easily distracted; misplaces essentials; needs many reminders for paying attention.
• Activity. Fidgets, leaves seat, or needs movement when others sit.
• Acting quickly. May blurt out answers, interrupt, or find it hard to wait for a turn.

Look for a pattern — not just one hard day. If a child shows signs in two settings most days of the week, consider an adhd assessment.

Signs by age (what parents and teachers notice)

Ages 4–6

• Short attention span for simple games unless an adult guides each step.
• Big feelings after small changes; needs help to calm.
• Runs or climbs when walking is expected; struggles to wait turns.

Ages 7–9

• Homework starts late; “I forgot” becomes common; items are lost.
• Focus comes in bursts; starting work is the hardest step.
• Talks over peers; needs structure to finish tasks.

Ages 10–12

• Organisation and time management are the main hurdles.
• Multi-step projects feel overwhelming without mini-deadlines.
• “I can’t” or avoidance; confidence drops when work piles up.

Teens

• Deadlines, phones, and late nights make planning tough.
• Deep focus appears for favourite topics; motivation swings with interest.
• Some keep it quiet in class and feel exhausted after school.

Girls are sometimes missed because hyperactivity looks like daydreaming or quiet inattention rather than running and climbing. Quiet does not mean easy — the same symptoms of adhd can still be present.

ADHD or something else? Common look-alikes

• Task fit. Work that is too hard or too easy can mimic inattention. Adjusting level often helps at once.
• Sleep and screens. Short sleep or heavy evening screen time leads to poor focus and an irritable mood.
• Worry or low mood. Anxiety and sadness reduce energy and attention.
• Learning differences. Reading or spelling problems can look like “not listening.”
• Hearing/vision issues. If a child misses information, attention also slips.

If simple changes help only a little, try a quick screener such as a does my child have adhd quiz or an adhd quiz for kids. These tools suggest next steps; they do not diagnose.

Parent checklist (last 6 months, in two settings)

• Needs reminders for most parts of simple routines.
• Loses or forgets items daily (books, kit, planner).
• Starts tasks but rarely finishes without close support.
• Interrupts, blurts out answers, or finds waiting difficult.
• Fidgets or leaves seat when others sit.
• Strong reactions to small changes; takes time to calm.
• Teachers report the same pattern in class.

When 4–5 or more items match and daily life is affected, arrange an adhd assessment with a child and adolescent clinician.

Screening vs diagnosis: what’s the difference?

A short online screener — even a does my child have autism quiz if you have that concern — helps you decide what to do next. Only a full assessment confirms ADHD using criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. Screening tools guide your questions and the examples you bring to the appointment.

When to seek professional help

• The pattern appears at home and school, most days.
• Schoolwork, friendships, or family routines are getting harder.
• Simple supports (sleep, routines, right-sized work) are not enough.

Talk with your GP or school about an adhd assessment. In some regions you can use the right to choose adhd provider. If waits are long, a private ADHD assessment may offer faster access. Many families continue care locally after the diagnosis through a shared plan.

What happens in an ADHD assessment

• Interviews with parents, the child, and sometimes other family members.
• Questionnaires from parents and teachers to compare settings.
• History and observation covering sleep, learning, friendships, and behaviour.
• Checks for other needs (for example, autism spectrum disorder or learning differences) so the plan fits the whole child.

Afterward you get a clear summary. If your child is diagnosed with adhd, the team builds a simple treatment plan with home strategies, school adjustments, and — when helpful — medication. Many clinics and “Mind Institute”–style centres follow the same stepped approach for children with ADHD.

What to do now (while you wait)

• One step at a time. Turn long requests into single actions: “shoes on,” then “coat on.”
• Visible plan. Door/desk checklists; a timer for 10–12 minute blocks.
• Movement breaks. Short, planned activity before homework and between blocks.
• Predictable transitions. Use the same phrase: “Two minutes left, then coat on.”
• Team with school. Share two priorities (task start; smoother transitions) and review weekly.

If it is ADHD: what treatment looks like

Good adhd treatment is a toolkit, not a single fix. Most plans include behaviour strategies, school adjustments, and sometimes medicine. When used, medicine starts low and is reviewed regularly. Parents, clinicians, and teachers act as one team to help children and teenagers progress.

Frequently asked questions

Is it my parenting?

No. ADHD is a mental health condition about how the brain manages attention and control. Routines and coaching help every child — with or without ADHD.

Can an online quiz help?

A short adhd quiz for kids or a does my child have adhd quiz is useful as a screener. It guides next steps, but only a full adhd assessment confirms a diagnosis.

Could it be ADHD or autism?

Some children have both ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. If you wonder about autistic traits, a separate does my child have autism quiz can screen before you talk with a clinician.

Next steps

Book an adhd assessment with a mental health professional. Ask about your right to choose adhd provider or a private ADHD assessment if waiting lists are long. Start simple home and school supports now — they help regardless of diagnosis.