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As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. So, when something feels different about their behaviour or development, it’s natural to have questions. If you’re wondering whether your child might have ADHD, you’re not alone and you’re taking exactly the right step by seeking information.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects around 1 in 20 children in the UK (NHS England), making it one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions we see at Young Wellbeing Hub. The good news? With the right understanding and support, children with ADHD can absolutely thrive.
Understanding ADHD: What every parent should know
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a child’s brain develops and functions. Think of it as the brain being wired a little differently, not broken, just different. It’s characterised by ongoing patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can make everyday activities more challenging.
Here’s something really important to remember: ADHD isn’t caused by parenting style, too much screen time, or your child being “naughty.” It’s a genuine neurological condition where the brain structure and function differ from typical development. Many brilliant, creative, and successful people have ADHD, it’s simply about understanding how your child’s unique brain works.
The three main types of ADHD: Spotting the signs
Every child with ADHD is unique, but symptoms generally fall into three main areas. Your child might show signs from one area or a combination of several:
1. Inattentive type (Also Known As ADD)
If your child has primarily inattentive ADHD, you might notice they:
- Have difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
- Seem not to listen when spoken to directly
- Fail to follow through on instructions or finish schoolwork
- Have difficulty organising tasks and activities
- Avoid or dislike tasks requiring sustained mental effort
- Frequently lose things necessary for tasks (school supplies, homework, toys)
- Be easily distracted by external stimuli
- Be forgetful in daily activities
- Make careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities
2. Hyperactive-impulsive type
Children with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD are often described as being “full of energy” or “always on the go.” You might see:
- Fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming in seat
- Leaving seat in situations when remaining seated is expected
- Running or climbing excessively in inappropriate situations
- Having difficulty playing or engaging in activities quietly
- Being “on the go” or acting as if “driven by a motor”
- Talking excessively
- Blurting out answers before questions are completed
- Having difficulty waiting their turn
- Interrupting or intruding on others’ conversations or games
3. Combined type
This is actually the most common type of ADHD we see in our clinic. Children with combined type show signs from both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive areas. Don’t worry if this sounds like your child, having combined type doesn’t mean the condition is “worse,” it just means they need support in different areas.
How ADHD shows up at different ages
One thing that often surprises parents is how ADHD symptoms can look quite different as children grow. Here’s what you might notice at various stages:
Little ones (Ages 3-5)
At this age, many children are naturally energetic and impulsive, so ADHD signs can be trickier to spot. However, you might notice:
- Extreme restlessness and difficulty sitting still
- Excessive talking or making noise
- Difficulty following simple instructions
- Problems with transitions between activities
- Aggressive behaviour or frequent tantrums
- Difficulty playing quietly or independently
Primary School Age (ages 6-11)
This is often when ADHD becomes more noticeable, as school demands increase. You might see:
- Academic difficulties despite normal intelligence
- Trouble completing homework or classroom assignments
- Difficulty following multi-step instructions
- Social challenges with peers
- Losing school supplies regularly
- Daydreaming or appearing “spaced out”
Teenagers (ages 12-18)
As your child becomes more independent, different challenges might emerge:
- Poor time management and organisation skills
- Difficulty with long-term projects
- Increased academic struggles as demands increase
- Risk-taking behaviours
- Emotional difficulties and mood swings
- Problems with self-esteem
“Is this normal behaviour or could it be ADHD?”
This is probably the question we hear most from worried parents, and it’s completely understandable. All children can be inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive sometimes, that’s just part of being a child!
The key difference with ADHD is that these behaviours are more intense and persistent than you’d expect for your child’s age. We look for symptoms that are:
- Present for at least six months: not just a phase your child is going through
- Happening everywhere: at home, school, with friends, not just in one situation
- Making life difficult: significantly affecting your child’s daily life, relationships, or learning
- More than you’d expect: beyond what’s typical for children of the same age
Remember, every child develops at their own pace, and what’s “normal” covers a wide range. Trust your instincts, if something feels consistently challenging for your child, it’s worth exploring.
When should you consider getting help?
As parents, we often worry about “overreacting” or whether we should “wait and see.” Here’s our gentle advice: if you’re consistently concerned about your child’s development, it’s always worth having a conversation with professionals.
Consider reaching out if your child:
- Consistently struggles with attention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity across different environments
- Has academic difficulties that don’t match their apparent ability
- Experiences frequent conflicts with peers or family members
- Shows signs of low self-esteem or emotional distress
- Has difficulty following routines or instructions despite repeated reminders
Common co-occurring conditions
Children with ADHD often experience other conditions alongside their ADHD symptoms:
- Learning difficulties: Problems with reading, writing, or mathematics
- Anxiety disorders: Excessive worry or fear that interferes with daily activities
- Depression: Persistent sadness or loss of interest in activities
- Oppositional Defiant Disorder: Pattern of defiant, hostile behaviour toward authority figures
- Autism Spectrum Conditions: Difficulties with social communication and repetitive behaviours
- Sleep disorders: Problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or poor sleep quality
The importance of early identification and support
Early identification of ADHD symptoms can make a significant difference in a child’s development and wellbeing. With proper assessment and support, children with ADHD can:
- Develop effective coping strategies
- Improve academic performance
- Build better relationships with peers and family
- Increase self-confidence and self-esteem
- Reduce the risk of developing secondary mental health issues
How Young Wellbeing Hub can help
At Young Wellbeing Hub, our CQC registered team of specialists provides comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments for children and young people. We understand that every child is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet individual needs while supporting the whole family through the assessment process.
Supporting your child while awaiting assessment
If you suspect your child may have ADHD, there are strategies you can implement while awaiting professional assessment:
- Establish clear routines: Consistent daily schedules can help children feel more secure and organised
- Break tasks into smaller steps: Large tasks can feel overwhelming, so break them down into manageable chunks
- Use positive reinforcement: Praise and reward good behaviour and effort, not just results
- Create a calm environment: Reduce distractions and provide quiet spaces for homework and relaxation
- Communicate with school: Work with teachers to understand your child’s needs and implement helpful strategies
- Take care of yourself: Supporting a child with potential ADHD can be challenging, so ensure you have support too
Moving forward with confidence
Recognising ADHD symptoms in your child can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that ADHD is a manageable condition. With proper assessment, support, and treatment, children with ADHD can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
If you’re concerned about ADHD symptoms in your child, don’t wait. Early intervention and support can make a significant difference in your child’s development and future success.
Get expert support today
Young Wellbeing Hub is here to support you and your child on this journey. Our experienced team of neurodevelopmental specialists provides comprehensive, compassionate care in a child-friendly environment.
Contact us today to learn more about our ADHD assessment services and how we can help your child reach their full potential. Together, we can ensure your child receives the understanding, support, and strategies they need to succeed.
