What causes ADHD?

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If you’ve ever Googled “What causes ADHD?” you’ll know it’s a bit like searching for “Why does my toddler insist on licking the window?” — lots of theories, a few myths, and not nearly enough coffee for the parent reading at 6am.

But the good news is that we do know a lot about what contributes to ADHD. And even better news: it’s not caused by bad parenting, too much screen time, or that one year you couldn’t face making homemade organic snacks. (Honestly, no one can.)

Let’s take a warm, science-based wander through what we know — and what we definitely don’t — about the causes of ADHD in children.

ADHD: A neurodevelopmental condition, not a misbehaving-child condition

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference — meaning the brain develops and functions slightly differently in areas related to attention, emotional regulation, and executive function. According to the NHS, ADHD is usually first noticed in childhood and can continue into adulthood.

This means children with ADHD aren’t choosing to be distractible, impulsive, or bouncy. Their brain’s wiring simply works differently — and often wonderfully.

So what actually causes ADHD?

1. Genetics: The biggest piece of the puzzle

If there was a family raffle for traits, ADHD is one that tends to get passed around generously. Research consistently shows that ADHD runs in families, with heritability estimates around 70–80%. That’s a very sciencey way of saying: genes play a big role.

So if your child has ADHD, there’s a fair chance someone else in the family tree has their own collection of half-finished DIY projects, forgotten cups of tea, and a finely honed ability to hyperfocus on extremely niche topics.

2. Brain structure & function

Brain imaging studies show small but significant differences in the areas involved in:

• attention

• working memory

• emotional regulation

• reward processing

• 
  

These aren’t “faults” or “damage” — just variations in development. ADHD brains aren’t broken; they’re simply wired in a way that works brilliantly in some environments and more challengingly in others.

For a helpful, plain-language overview, see the CDC’s summary of ADHD research (CDC ADHD Basics).

3. Prenatal & perinatal factors

Some circumstances during pregnancy or birth may slightly increase the likelihood of ADHD, including:

• Prematurity

• Low birth weight

• Exposure to smoking or alcohol in pregnancy

• Early complications

These are risk factors, not causes. Plenty of premature babies grow up without ADHD, and many children with ADHD were born after straightforward pregnancies. Think of these influences as nudges — not guarantees.

4. Environmental factors (but not the ones you’re worried about)

What doesn't cause ADHD?

• Too much sugar

• Too much screen time

• Not enough discipline

• Modern parenting

• School expectations

• The rise of Peppa Pig

ADHD is not caused by parenting style or environment. However, environmental stressors — like family stress, trauma, or disrupted routines — can make ADHD symptoms more visible or more challenging, just as they would for any child.

Common ADHD myths to gently retire

“ADHD didn’t exist when we were kids!”

It did. We just didn’t talk about it, diagnose it well, or have TikTok to explain it with cute filters.

“ADHD is caused by too much screen time.”

Nope. Screens can amplify symptoms, but they don’t cause them. (And sometimes they’re a blessed source of calm — no judgement here.)

“They’ll grow out of it.”

Some children learn brilliant coping strategies as they grow, but ADHD often continues into adulthood. Early support helps immensely.

For a myth-busting summary, NICE provides guidance on ADHD that is grounded in evidence and also practical (NICE ADHD Guidance).

So… if ADHD has no single cause, what does that mean for parents?

means you didn’t cause it.

You didn’t miss something.

You didn’t do anything wrong.

Your child’s brain simply works differently — and with the right support, understanding, and sometimes a bit of creative parenting, children with ADHD can thrive beautifully.

At our clinic (NeuroDiverseKids.co.uk), we focus on helping families understand how their child’s brain works so you can support them in a way that fits their strengths, challenges, and unique neurodevelopmental profile.

The bottom line​

ADHD isn’t caused by parenting, screens, diet, or willpower.

It’s rooted in genetics, brain development, and early neurobiology, with environmental factors playing only supporting roles.

Your child isn’t “naughty,” “lazy,” or “undisciplined.”

They’re simply neurodiverse — and with the right support, that difference can be a strength.

​Book an assessment or discuss treatment.