Understanding ADHD in children: a parent's guide

The short answer

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition associated with persistent difficulty regulating attention, activity and impulses. It can look different from one child to another and can change with age, interest, demands and surroundings. A child may concentrate deeply on something engaging and still struggle to begin homework, remember instructions or wait. Diagnosis requires a specialist assessment of the child's development, everyday functioning and experiences in more than one setting. Parents can help by recording concrete examples, reducing unnecessary organisational load and arranging support around the difficulties the child is experiencing.

• ADHD involves patterns of inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity that affect everyday functioning.
• Attention can vary sharply with interest, novelty, urgency, effort and the surrounding environment.
• Symptoms must be considered in relation to the child's age and development.
• ADHD cannot be diagnosed from one questionnaire, behaviour or setting.
• Anxiety, sleep, learning, health and other neurodevelopmental differences may overlap with ADHD.
• Useful support can begin while a child is waiting for assessment.