--- title: Understanding ADHD in your child description: Learn about ADHD in children and how to help your child with ADHD (or ADD) thrive. Use this guide to get ADHD parenting tips. slug: adhd-in-children author: The Understood Team published: '2019-11-18T18:57:41.582Z' thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/3hXSMCWGEnb5nRXyv77yFm/5f25d146239dd51a3efcce48e9ad37fe/G921894866.jpg source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-in-children lang: en --- # Understanding ADHD in your child ADHD is a very common condition in kids and adults. But kids who have it are often misunderstood. You may not yet know if your child has ADHD (also called ADD). But if your child has [trouble with focus](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/child-trouble-focusing), or is [hyperactive](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-hyperactivity) and [impulsive](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-impulsivity), there are many ways to help at school and at home. One of the [myths about ADHD](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/common-myths-about-adhd) is that it’s not a “real” thing. Some people think kids are just [being lazy](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-and-the-myth-of-laziness-what-you-need-to-know) or lack willpower. But ADHD is a biological condition caused by [differences in certain areas of the brain](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-and-the-brain). It also runs in families. This overview can help you learn the basics about ADHD and lead you to more in-depth information. If you’re concerned your child has ADHD, here are [steps you can take](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/does-my-child-have-adhd). And if your child was just diagnosed with ADHD, [find out what to do next](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/my-child-was-just-diagnosed-with-adhd-now-what). ## Signs of ADHD Everyone shows signs of ADHD at one time or another. But kids with ADHD struggle a lot more with them than other kids their age. The key symptom is trouble with focus. Many kids also struggle with [self-control](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/self-control-what-it-means-for-kids) or are hyperactive. ADHD is a problem with a group of skills called [executive function](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/types-of-executive-function-skills). These skills include organization and [managing emotions](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-and-emotions-what-you-need-to-know), which are usually a struggle for kids with ADHD. ADHD doesn’t look the same in all kids. And [signs look different at different ages](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/signs-of-adhd-at-different-ages). Some may even disappear as kids get older, even though ADHD doesn’t go away. There’s one confusing sign of ADHD. Kids who have trouble focusing most of the time can often [“hyperfocus” or focus very well](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-and-hyperfocus) on things they find really interesting. For example, they might focus for hours on playing a sport but for only a few minutes on doing homework. Here are some signs of ADHD you might see in different grades. **Preschool–Grade 2** - Ignores directions or [doesn’t follow them](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/why-trouble-following-directions) - Grabs things without permission - Needs to be frequently reminded to stop and listen - Gets up, fidgets, or talks when expected to be quiet **Grades 3–7** - Seems [daydreamy](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/why-kids-daydream) and distracted, and easily loses focus - Often loses or forgets things - Is often restless - Doesn’t think about consequences before doing things **Teens** - Has trouble getting organized and prioritizing things - Acts impulsively or does risky things - Fidgets and talks too much - Has trouble meeting deadlines and finishing tasks Find out [what hyperactivity can look like in teens](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/hyperactivity-in-teens) with ADHD. ### Dive deeper - See a full [list of signs of ADHD in kids of different ages](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/signs-of-adhd-at-different-ages). - Experience [what ADHD is like for kids](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/through-your-childs-eyes). - Learn [how boys may experience ADHD](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-in-boys) versus [how girls often experience it](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-in-girls). ## Finding out your child has ADHD There aren’t any medical tests for ADHD. So evaluators use other methods to diagnose it. They ask parents to fill out detailed questionnaires about their child’s behavior. (Teachers may also get a questionnaire.) Evaluators also interview kids and their parents or caregivers. They ask for a detailed history of the child’s health. They also ask about how the child functions at school, at home, and in social situations. There are different types of professionals who diagnose ADHD in kids. They mostly work outside of schools, and many can look for other conditions that kids with ADHD often have. Two of the most common are anxiety and learning differences. Kids can also get a [free evaluation at school](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/understanding-evaluations). This type of evaluation won’t lead to a diagnosis of ADHD. But it can pick up on some of the challenges that kids with ADHD have. ### Dive deeper - Watch as an expert explains [how ADHD is diagnosed](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/video-how-is-adhd-diagnosed). - Learn [what goes into an ADHD evaluation](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-goes-into-your-childs-adhd-evaluation). - Read about the [connection between ADHD and anxiety](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-and-anxiety-what-you-need-to-know). ## How professionals can help with ADHD There are a few treatment options for ADHD. Different professionals help with different ones. Health care providers can prescribe and monitor [medications for ADHD](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/types-of-adhd-medications). They also [fine-tune](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/signs-adhd-medication-needs-fine-tuning) or switch medications until they find the right prescription for a child. Experts agree that medication is the most effective treatment for most kids with ADHD. Mental health professionals help kids and families understand and cope with ADHD. Some may do [behavior therapy](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-and-behavior-therapy-what-you-need-to-know). This is a reward system to help turn negative behaviors and habits into positive ones. And school psychologists can help create plans to give kids with ADHD extra support at school. For example, a child might get [accommodations](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/classroom-accommodations-for-adhd) to make it easier to focus in class. ### Dive deeper - Read about [ADHD treatment](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/treatment-for-kids-with-adhd). - Learn about [alternative treatments for ADHD](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-alternative-treatment-what-you-need-to-know). - See a list of [professionals who help with ADHD](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/different-professionals-who-help-kids-with-adhd). ## How you can help your child with ADHD Kids can learn to manage ADHD symptoms and thrive. Supporting your child starts with understanding [what ADHD is and what it isn’t](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-explained-a-28-minute-primer). You can also: - Discover [simple ways to improve your child’s focus](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/how-to-improve-focus-in-kids). - Find a [fidget that fits your child’s needs](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/fidgets-for-kids-with-adhd). - Get [tips for helping your child follow directions](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/10-tips-to-help-your-child-follow-directions). - Help your child [manage screen time](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/at-a-glance-helping-kids-with-adhd-manage-screen-time) and [cell phone use](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/download-cell-phone-contracts-for-kids). For more ideas, explore [ADHD strategies to try at home](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-strategies-you-can-try-at-home). And find out what a mom [wishes others knew about parenting a child with ADHD](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/8-things-i-wish-people-knew-about-parenting-a-child-with-adhd). There’s an important piece of supporting your child that doesn’t have to do with skills. ADHD can have a [big impact on self-esteem](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/positive-self-esteem-kids-importance). You can help your child feel better about having ADHD, and be [optimistic that things can get better](https://www.understood.org/en/articles/growth-mindset). Just knowing you’re there to help can make a big difference. --- ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-in-children#webpage","url":"https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-in-children","description":"Learn about ADHD in children and how to help your child with ADHD (or ADD) thrive. 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