10 Common Signs of ADHD in Children
🧠 Understanding ADHD in Children
It’s normal for kids to have boundless energy, forget things, or daydream from time to time. But when these behaviours are frequent, intense, and impact daily life at school or home, they may point to something more — such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. It affects attention, impulse control, and self-regulation, often making school, friendships, and family life more difficult for affected children and their parents.
As a parent, you know your child best. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Is this normal?” or “Should I be concerned?”, this guide will help. Below are 10 common signs of ADHD in children, as well as advice on when and how to seek support.
10 Common Signs of ADHD in Children
1. Difficulty Paying Attention
One of the most recognised signs of ADHD is a child’s struggle to sustain attention. This doesn’t just show up in the classroom — children with ADHD may also drift off during conversations or while watching a movie (especially if repetitive, complex, or perceived as boring).
They may:
Get distracted easily by sounds or surroundings
Appear not to listen when spoken to directly
Have difficulty completing tasks like homework or chores
It’s important to note that this inattention isn’t intentional — it’s part of how their brain processes information.
2. Constant Movement and Fidgeting
While all children are energetic at times, kids with ADHD often seem to have an internal motor that rarely slows down. They may:
Struggle to sit still at the dinner table or in the classroom
Fidget with hands or feet, or squirm in their seat
Climb or run around excessively in inappropriate settings
This type of hyperactivity can be exhausting — both for the child and their caregivers — and is especially noticeable in structured environments.
3. Frequently Interrupts Others or Talks Excessively
ADHD can affect a child’s ability to wait their turn in conversations, leading them to:
Interrupt others mid-sentence
Blurt out answers in class
Talk out of turn at home, school, or social gatherings
This behaviour isn’t rude — it’s often impulsive and happens before the child realises it.
4. Has Trouble Following Through on Instructions
Children with ADHD may seem like they’re ignoring instructions or not taking tasks seriously, but often:
They genuinely forget what was asked of them
They start tasks but get sidetracked halfway through
They struggle with multi-step instructions (e.g., “Put your shoes on, grab your bag, and wait by the door.”)
This pattern can lead to frequent misunderstandings or frustration from teachers and parents.
5. Frequently Misplaces or Loses Things
ADHD can impact executive functioning — the brain’s ability to plan, organise, and manage tasks. As a result, kids with ADHD often:
Lose school supplies, clothing, toys, or books
Forget where they put things moments earlier
Have messy desks, bags, or bedrooms
This isn't a sign of carelessness but a cognitive challenge common with ADHD.
6. Avoids or Resists Tasks That Require Mental Effort
Children with ADHD may avoid activities that demand sustained focus or mental energy — especially if the task is repetitive, difficult, or perceived as boring.
Examples include:
Homework assignments
Reading comprehension tasks
Long-form writing or maths problems
They may procrastinate, complain, or act out to avoid these activities.
7. Emotional Sensitivity and Quick Frustration
Children with ADHD often feel emotions more intensely. They might:
Have frequent emotional outbursts or meltdowns
Overreact to small disappointments
Struggle to calm down after getting upset
Emotional regulation is a lesser-known but common difficulty in children with ADHD.
8. Struggles with Peer Relationships
Kids with ADHD may have a harder time making and keeping friends due to:
Interrupting games or conversations
Trouble waiting their turn
Being perceived as “bossy,” “too intense,” or “disruptive”
These difficulties can lead to feelings of rejection, low self-esteem, or social withdrawal over time.
9. Impulsive Behaviour or Risk-Taking
Impulsivity is a core feature of ADHD. This might look like:
Running into the street without looking
Saying things without thinking of the impact
Engaging in risky or unsafe behaviours
This can be dangerous, particularly as children become more independent.
10. Concerns From Teachers or Family Members
If your child’s teacher, childcare educator, or another trusted adult has raised concerns about attention, behaviour, or emotional regulation, it’s worth paying attention. These individuals often see your child in structured or group environments where ADHD symptoms can be more noticeable.
A family history of ADHD can also increase the likelihood, as the condition tends to run in families.
🧭 When to Seek an Assessment
If you recognise several of the signs listed above and they are:
Present across multiple settings (e.g., home, school, social settings)
Impacting your child’s relationships, learning, or emotional wellbeing
Persisting for at least 6 months
…it may be time to speak with a professional.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment can help you understand your child’s behaviour, rule out other possible explanations, and open the door to tailored support strategies that truly help.
🎓 What’s Involved in an ADHD Assessment?
At Gayton Psychology, our ADHD assessments involve:
A parent interview to understand your concerns
Cognitive testing to assess attention, short term memory, and problem-solving
Academic testing to rule out possible learning difficulties
Behavioural and executive functioning questionnaires from both parents and teachers
A clear, written report with diagnosis (if applicable) and next steps
We take care to ensure children feel safe, supported, and understood throughout the process.
To learn more about what’s involved in an ADHD assessment you can read more here.