Does my child have ADHD? A parent’s guide to signs, diagnosis, and support
Some children are always on the move: chatty, energetic, and impulsive. Others seem lost in thought, struggling to follow instructions or get started on even simple tasks. And then there are those who are bright and creative, but often disorganised, forgetful, or emotionally reactive.
If you’ve found yourself wondering whether these challenges might be more than just a phase, you’re not alone. Many families begin their ADHD journey with a quiet concern: Something just doesn’t feel quite right.
This guide is for parents who are trying to make sense of those concerns: what ADHD is, how it’s diagnosed, and how to get the right support in place.
Recognising the Early Signs of ADHD
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control, emotional regulation, and executive functioning. While the term is often associated with hyperactivity, not every child with ADHD is loud or constantly moving.
Some children struggle to sit still, wait their turn, or stop talking. Others are more inwardly distracted, which looks like daydreaming, tuning out, or avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort. In fact, there are three recognised presentations of ADHD:
Inattentive (formerly called ADD): Read our blog on inattentive ADHD here.
Hyperactive-Impulsive
Combined Type
You might notice that your child:
Loses track of time or forgets what they were meant to be doing
Becomes frustrated over small things or melts down after school
Has difficulty starting or finishing tasks, even if they seem simple
Constantly moves or fidgets, even when seated
Interrupts others, talks out of turn, or acts without thinking
Struggles to manage big feelings or switches between emotions quickly
If these behaviours are showing up across different settings, like at home, school, and in social environments, and they’re starting to impact your child’s learning or relationships, it may be time to explore further.
When to Seek Help
Parents often seek support after a pattern has emerged. Maybe your child has received repeated feedback from teachers. Maybe you’re seeing more stress or conflict at home. Or maybe you’ve simply noticed your child seems to be working harder than their peers to manage daily tasks.
These concerns don’t mean you’re overreacting. They mean you’re paying attention.
If you suspect ADHD, it’s best to speak with a health professional who has experience with neurodevelopmental conditions. While your GP or paediatrician is a good starting point, a neuropsychological assessment can offer deeper insight, especially if your child’s presentation is complex or doesn’t fit neatly into a box. This blog about ADHD assessments may be helpful.
How Is ADHD Diagnosed?
There’s no single scan or blood test for ADHD. Diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation that considers developmental history, daily functioning, and the presence of ADHD symptoms across time and settings.
A high-quality assessment usually includes:
Interviews with parents and sometimes the child
Behavioural questionnaires completed by parents and teachers
A review of academic and medical history
Standardised testing of cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and processing speed
At The Neurodevelopment Clinic, we use this information to form a clear, evidence-based understanding of your child’s strengths and challenges, so you walk away with more than just a label. You walk away with answers and a clear plan.
What Happens After Diagnosis?
If your child receives an ADHD diagnosis, treatment is often multi-layered. For many families, the first step is understanding what ADHD actually means, and realising that this is a brain-based condition, not a result of poor parenting, “bad behaviour,” or lack of effort.
Common treatment approaches include:
1. Medication
Stimulant medications are often the first-line treatment and can significantly improve focus, self-regulation, and emotional stability. Finding the right medication and dosage may take some trial and error, but many families notice positive changes within a few weeks.
2. Psychological Support
This may include:
Behavioural therapy to teach coping and problem-solving skills
Parent coaching to develop calm, consistent strategies at home
Emotional regulation support for children who struggle with big feelings
3. School-Based Supports
Children with ADHD may need classroom adjustments to help them focus and succeed, such as:
Extra time on tasks or tests
Visual checklists and schedules
Movement breaks or flexible seating
A diagnosis can open the door to learning support and accommodations through your school.
What If It’s Not ADHD?
It’s common for ADHD to overlap with other conditions like anxiety, learning difficulties, or autism. A comprehensive assessment helps tease these apart and ensures that your child receives the right support. Sometimes what looks like inattention is actually anxiety. Or what appears to be poor motivation may be undiagnosed dyslexia.
This is why we take time to look at the whole picture, so families feel confident about the path forward.
The Road Ahead
Every child is different. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but with the right understanding and support, children with ADHD can flourish. They can become confident learners, creative thinkers, and resilient problem-solvers.
If you're concerned your child might have ADHD, don’t wait. Early identification can reduce frustration, for you and your child—and create more space for connection, confidence, and growth.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
At The Neurodevelopment Clinic, we offer thoughtful, evidence-based ADHD assessments for children and teens. We take time to understand your child, not just their behaviours but their story, and we are here to guide you through the process with care.
Get in touch to learn more about how we can help your child thrive.
