ADHD in Children & Teens

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, activity levels, and impulse control. It is the most common neurodevelopmental condition in childhood, estimated to affect around 6–10% of Australian children and adolescents.

ADHD can influence learning, friendships, family life, and self-esteem. With the right understanding and support at home and at school, children and teenagers with ADHD can build on their strengths and manage the challenges.

This page is about ADHD in children and teenagers. For information about assessment, see our ADHD assessment for children & teens. For adults, see ADHD in Adults.

ADHD is described in three presentations, depending on which symptoms are most prominent:

• Predominantly inattentive: mainly difficulties with attention, organisation, and following through. These children may seem dreamy or forgetful rather than disruptive, so their ADHD can be overlooked.
• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive: mainly restlessness, high activity levels, and acting before thinking.
• Combined: significant symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

A child's presentation can change as they grow — hyperactivity often becomes less visible in the teenage years, while difficulties with attention and organisation may continue.

Signs of ADHD in children and teenagers may include:

• Inattention: difficulty sustaining focus, making careless mistakes, not seeming to listen, losing things, difficulty following instructions or finishing tasks, and being easily distracted.
• Hyperactivity: fidgeting, difficulty staying seated, running or climbing when it is not appropriate, talking excessively, or seeming "on the go".
• Impulsivity: difficulty waiting for a turn, interrupting others, or blurting out answers.

Many children show some of these behaviours some of the time. ADHD is considered when symptoms are persistent (lasting at least six months), are more pronounced than expected for the child's age, began before the age of 12, occur in more than one setting such as home and school, and interfere with daily life.

ADHD has a strong genetic basis and often runs in families — twin studies estimate that around 74% of the variation in ADHD traits is explained by genetic factors. Differences in brain development, particularly in areas involved in attention and self-regulation, are also involved.

ADHD is not caused by parenting style, and in most cases no single cause can be identified.

Without understanding and support, ADHD can affect many areas of a young person's life:

• Learning: difficulty concentrating in class, completing homework, and staying organised.
• Friendships: impulsivity or difficulty waiting can make social situations harder.
• Family life: daily routines, homework, and transitions can be a source of stress.
• Wellbeing and self-esteem: repeated negative feedback can affect how a young person sees themselves.

ADHD commonly occurs alongside other conditions, such as learning difficulties, anxiety, autism, or sleep problems. For many people, ADHD continues into adulthood, which is why early understanding and support matter.

There is no single test for ADHD. A diagnosis is made by a qualified clinician, such as a paediatrician or child and adolescent psychiatrist, after a comprehensive assessment that may include:

• A detailed developmental, medical, and family history, gathered with parents or carers.
• Information from more than one setting — with consent, input from the young person's school or teachers.
• Validated rating scales completed by parents, teachers, and, where appropriate, the young person.
• Consideration of other explanations or co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety, learning difficulties, autism, or sleep problems.

For more about the assessment process, see our ADHD assessment for children & teens.

Australian clinical guidelines recommend support that is tailored to each young person and family, and often combines several approaches:

• Education for the young person and family about ADHD.
• Parent and carer support, including evidence-based parenting programs, particularly for younger children.
• School support, such as classroom strategies and reasonable adjustments, coordinated with the school.
• Psychological support, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for adolescents.
• Medication, where appropriate, for school-aged children and adolescents — stimulant medications are generally used first, with non-stimulant options available. Medication is prescribed and monitored by a specialist, considering the young person's age, needs, and the family's preferences.

ADHD care for children and teenagers at Mindscape Psychiatry is provided by Dr Rajesh Harjai, our Consultant Child, Adolescent and Youth Psychiatrist, who has a special interest in ADHD and sees young people aged 5 to 20 years via telehealth.

• Comprehensive assessment drawing on information from home and school.
• Family-centred care, working alongside parents, carers, and — with consent — schools.
• Ongoing management and review, including medication where appropriate.

A valid GP referral is required.