10 Signs of ADHD in Children Every Parent Should Be Aware Of
1. Excessive Fidgeting and Restlessness
Children with ADHD often struggle to stay still. You may notice:
- Constant tapping of hands or feet
- Squirming in seats
- An inability to stay seated during meals or quiet time
This hyperactivity goes beyond typical childhood energy and can disrupt classroom and home environments.
2. Short Attention Span
A hallmark of ADHD is difficulty maintaining focus, especially on tasks that require sustained mental effort. Look for:
- Easily getting bored with activities
- Trouble completing homework or chores
- Frequently losing interest mid-conversation
This inattention can affect performance in school and lead to frequent reprimands or incomplete work.
3. Impulsivity
Impulsive behaviors are often seen in children with ADHD, such as:
- Interrupting others
- Speaking out of turn
- Acting without thinking about consequences
These actions can impact social relationships and increase the risk of accidents or injuries.
4. Difficulty Following Instructions
Children with ADHD often struggle with multi-step directions. You might notice:
- Forgetting what was asked of them
- Missing steps in a sequence
- Repeatedly needing reminders
This isn’t due to defiance but rather challenges with working memory and focus.
5. Frequent Daydreaming
Not all children with ADHD are hyperactive. Inattentive-type ADHD often presents as:
- Being lost in thought
- Seeming “spaced out” even during engaging activities
- Appearing to not listen when spoken to directly
This quieter form of ADHD can be easily overlooked.
6. Forgetfulness in Daily Activities
Forgetfulness may show up in ways like:
- Losing school supplies, books, or toys
- Forgetting to complete homework or bring it to school
- Frequently misplacing personal items
This trait often frustrates parents and teachers, but it stems from executive function challenges.
7. Trouble Organising Tasks
Many children with ADHD have poor time management and planning skills. Signs include:
- Messy backpacks or desks
- Difficulty starting tasks independently
- Avoidance of tasks that require mental effort
These struggles can make daily routines more difficult for the entire family.
8. Mood Swings and Emotional Outbursts
Emotional regulation can be harder for kids with ADHD. Parents might observe:
- Intense frustration over small setbacks
- Sudden mood changes
- Difficulty calming down after becoming upset
These responses are often more intense and prolonged than what’s typical for their age.
9. Poor Academic Performance Despite Intelligence
Many kids with ADHD are intelligent but underperform in school due to:
- Missed assignments
- Careless mistakes
- Trouble with long-term projects
This gap between potential and performance is a major red flag.
10. Difficulty with Peer Relationships
Social challenges are common, including:
- Trouble taking turns or sharing
- Being overly talkative or intrusive
- Struggling to maintain friendships
These issues can lead to feelings of isolation or being misunderstood.
Parent's often ask "What is ADHD?", and we hope we have gone someway towards answering this in temrs of how you might be able to spot it in your child. Recognising the signs of ADHD in children early is essential. While every child shows some of these behaviors occasionally, consistent patterns across multiple settings—home, school, and social environments—are worth discussing with a pediatrician or mental health professional. ADHD is highly manageable with the right strategies, support, and in some cases, medical intervention.
Written by Ben Friedman, Founder of Atypically.
Ben has years of first hand experience as a father of an autistic son and a SEND advocate. All content is thoroughly researched to help parents to be as informed as possible when navigating private assessments and meaningful interventions for their neurodiverse children. Ben also holds a CPD Accredited Certification in the Treatment and Management of Additional Needs Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
With NHS waiting lists now taking up to 2 years in some areas for a final diagnosis, now is the time to get your child the help they need. By going private, you can cut the waiting time down to a few weeks instead and it it doesn't cost as much as you might think!
Private autism or ADHD assessments typically take 2 to 12 weeks from initial enquiry to diagnosis. These assessments are conducted by qualified professionals and follow the same diagnostic criteria used by the NHS.
Let us now what you need and we will put you in touch with the right team for your child's needs.
Atypically connects parents with top neurodiversity assessors, tailored to their child's needs. Bypass NHS waits with expert private evaluations.
