Understanding ADHD in Children

Dr.Pavitra Shankar, 3 mins read

On some mornings, it feels like your child is tuned into a completely different frequency. One moment, they are overflowing with ideas and questions, the next, they are lost in their own world, homework half-done, shoes in different rooms, and a school bag forgotten on the sofa. For many families, this is more than “being naughty” or “not listening” – it can be a sign of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a child’s brain manages focus, activity level, and impulse control.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a long-term condition that often begins in early childhood and can continue into adolescence and adulthood. It is not caused by poor parenting, laziness, or too much screen time; it is linked to differences in how the brain develops and functions. Children with ADHD are often bright and creative, but their brains find it harder to filter distractions, sit still, or think before acting.

Doctors describe three main types of ADHD:

1. Predominantly inattentive: trouble staying focused, following instructions, and organising tasks.
2. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive: fidgeting, constant movement, talking a lot, acting without thinking.
3. Combined type: a mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

Signs parents often notice:

ADHD symptoms usually appear before the age of 12 and show up in more than one setting, such as home and school. It is normal for children to be energetic or distracted sometimes, but in ADHD, these behaviours are frequent, long-lasting, and interfere with daily life.

Common signs include:

• Struggling to finish homework
• Making careless mistakes
• Zoning out during conversations.
• Constant fidgeting
• Running or climbing when it is not appropriate
• Difficulty playing quietly.
• Interrupting others
• Blurting out answers
• Difficulty waiting for their turn
• Acting on impulses quickly

Because of these challenges, children may face poor grades, conflicts with peers, and frequent criticism from adults, which can slowly hurt their self-esteem.

Getting a proper diagnosis

There is no single blood test or scan that can confirm ADHD. Instead, a specialist evaluates the child’s behaviour over time, collects detailed information from parents and teachers, and checks whether symptoms match internationally accepted criteria. The doctor also looks for other conditions that can exist along with ADHD, such as learning difficulties, anxiety, or autism spectrum disorder, so that the child receives complete support.

Early evaluation matters because timely help can improve school performance, relationships, and emotional well-being. Hospitals like Aakash Healthcare offer access to child specialists, psychologists, and therapists who can work together to understand your child’s unique needs and design a personalised care plan.

How is ADHD in children treated?

ADHD cannot be “cured,” but children can absolutely learn to manage symptoms and thrive with the right mix of strategies. Treatment often combines behavioural interventions, parent training, school-based support, and sometimes medication, depending on the child’s age and severity of symptoms.

Key elements of care include:

Behavioural strategies and parent training to build routines, clear rules, and positive reinforcement at home.
Classroom adjustments such as seating changes, shorter tasks, and structured breaks to support learning.
Medications like stimulants or non-stimulants, when needed, can significantly improve focus and impulse control under medical supervision.

At Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, families are guided not just on medicines, but also on lifestyle, counselling, and school collaboration, helping parents feel less alone in the journey. Living with a child who has ADHD can be exhausting, but small, consistent changes at home can make life easier for everyone. Children with ADHD respond very well to structure, empathy, and frequent, genuine praise.

Helpful approaches include:

Creating predictable routines for mornings, homework, and bedtime, with visual charts if needed.
Breaking big tasks into small steps and giving simple, clear instructions one at a time.
Praising specific good behaviours (“You sat and finished your worksheet, that was responsible”) far more often than criticising.
Most importantly, remember that your child is not being difficult on purpose. ADHD is just one part of who they are, not their entire identity.

With understanding adults, the right medical support, and a nurturing environment, children with ADHD can grow into confident, capable individuals who use their energy, curiosity, and originality as strengths.