What is ADHD?
- Dr Harry Woodward
- May 4, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
A friendly guide for parents and carers navigating attention, activity, and impulsivity in kids
"When my son first got his ADHD diagnosis, it felt like we’d finally found the missing piece of a puzzle. Suddenly, his boundless energy and distractibility made sense—and we could start helping him thrive." A fellow parent
1. The basics: ADHD in a nutshell
Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neuro‑developmental conditions in childhood. Kids with ADHD tend to have challenges with:
Attention (e.g. daydreaming in class, missing details)
Hyperactivity (e.g. fidgeting, climbing when it’s not appropriate)
Impulsivity (e.g. blurting out answers, grabbing toys without asking)
These traits exist on a spectrum — some children primarily struggle with focus (which was previously known as “ADD”), others mainly with hyperactivity/impulsivity, and many have a combined type.
2 . How common is ADHD?
Worldwide prevalence: about 5 % of children and adolescents¹.
UK prevalence: estimates range from 2–4 %, with boys diagnosed roughly twice as often as girls².
Adult ADHD: nearly one‑third of kids diagnosed continue to meet criteria as adults³.
Quick take: in a class of 30 kids, you can expect at least one or two to have ADHD.
3. Why it happens (very simplified)
ADHD isn’t caused by bad parenting or too much sugar—research points to a mix of:
Genetics: around 70–80 % of the risk comes from family history⁴.
Brain differences: imaging studies show subtle variations in areas that regulate attention, motivation and “stop‑think‑act” control.
Environment & development: prematurity, low birth weight or early exposure to certain toxins (like alcohol) can play a small role.
Importantly, none of these factors “blame” the child—ADHD is just one of many ways brains can work.
4 . A day in the life: a parent’s anecdote
Meet Emma, age 8:
Morning school run: Emma’s backpack is stuffed with half‑eaten granola bars and three orphaned hairbands, because she got sidetracked making herself a snack.
In class: She loves science but misses the teacher’s instructions—her mind drifts to the ant farm on the windowsill.
Homework time: Thirty minutes in, she’s playing with her pencil sharpener, convinced the rooster printed on it is “calling her name.”
Evening wind‑down: Hyperfocused on building a LEGO castle, she refuses to sleep—“Just one more brick!”
Sound familiar? Many kids with ADHD juggle big strengths (creativity, curiosity, energy) alongside real struggles (organisation, sitting still, waiting turns).
5. Signs to watch out for
Every child is unique, but common red flags include:
At home:
Losing things (books, socks, lunch boxes) repeatedly
Jumping between games and activities without finishing
Difficulty following multi‑step instructions (“Get dressed, brush your teeth, then come down.”)
At school:
Daydreaming or staring off during lessons
Trouble staying seated or blurting out answers
Low frustration tolerance—tears or tantrums when asked to focus
If you spot several of these over 6 months and they interfere with daily life, it’s worth seeking an assessment.
6. Getting a diagnosis: what to expect
Talk to your GP or paediatrician—describe behaviours with real examples.
Questionnaires for you, your child’s teacher and (if old enough) your child.
Clinical interview covering developmental history, sleep, mood and family patterns.
Observation of your child’s behaviour in clinic.
Feedback session where you get clear next steps.
Stat: average UK wait for a paediatric ADHD assessment can be 12–18 months in the NHS⁵. Private routes (e.g., tele‑clinic) can cut that to 4–6 weeks, if you have the means.
7. First steps after diagnosis
Once you have a clear diagnosis, your team will co‑create a plan that often includes:
Behaviour strategies:
Visual timetables and timers
Reward charts for short‑term goals
Calming corners or movement breaks
School support:
1:1 help or “focus time”
Extra time for tests
Seating near the teacher
Parent training:
Consistent routines
Positive‑discipline techniques
Stress‑management for yourself
Medication:
Stimulants (e.g. methylphenidate) help some children (responsiveness varies according to medication)⁶.
Non‑stimulants (e.g. atomoxetine) are alternative options.
Medication isn’t mandatory—many families start with behavioural and educational changes and revisit medication later.
8. The upside: strengths of kids with ADHD
Amy’s mum says: “Since our girl started using noise‑canceling headphones during homework, her creativity has soared. She’s an incredible storyteller!”
Kids with ADHD often thrive in environments that match their style:
Creative arts: drama, painting, music
Hands‑on work: building, crafts, engineering kits
Active roles: sports, dance, martial arts
Celebrating these strengths is as vital as managing challenges.
9. Where to go from here
Join a parent support group (in‑person or online).
Follow specialist blogs (like this one!) for tips and real‑life stories.
Download practical tools: checklists, reward charts and editable visual schedules.
Talk to your paediatrician about tailored next steps.
“Understanding ADHD changed our family life. We went from power struggles at bedtime to peaceful routines—and discovered what lights up our son’s world.”
You’re not alone on this journey. Bookmark this blog, subscribe for more guides and share your own stories in the comments below—because every family’s experience helps another take that first confident step.
References:
¹ Polanczyk G et al., Worldwide prevalence of ADHD: a systematic review and metaregression analysis, AJP 2007.
² NHS Digital, Mental Health of Children and Young People in England, 2020.
³ Kessler RC et al., The prevalence and correlates of adult ADHD in the U.S., American Journal Psychiatry (AJP) 2006.
⁴ Faraone SV & Mick E, Molecular genetics of ADHD, Psychiatric Clinics 2010.
⁵ YoungMinds, The Teenage Experience of ADHD Services, 2022.
⁶ Cortese S, Pharmacologic treatment of ADHD: a systematic review and meta‑analysis, JAMA 2020.
Comments