Kids are full of energy and big ideas. (Borrowing your phone to shoot a movie? Great!) Their imaginations can take over so much that homework and chores sometimes get left behind.
That’s part of what makes childhood so special. But when that boundless energy or forgetfulness starts to feel overwhelming or constant, it might be a sign that something more is going on, like ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
ADHD is one of the most common behavioral health conditions in kids. It affects almost 1 in 10 children in the United States. If you’re wondering whether your child might have it, or you’re trying to better understand their diagnosis, here’s some things you should know.
What is ADHD?
A lot of parents still call it ADD, but it's been officially called ADHD since the late '80s — it just helps capture the full picture, and that symptoms can include inattention, hyperactivity, or both.
This condition shows up in two main ways: trouble paying attention and hyperactive or impulsive behavior. You can think of these as two different “types” of ADHD, though many kids experience a mix of both.
Some characteristics you could see in a child with inattentive ADHD:
Gets easily distracted, especially with boring or repetitive tasks
Has a hard time planning, starting, or finishing projects
Sometimes seems like they’re not listening or their mind is somewhere else
Often forgets or misplaces things
Struggles to remember rules or instructions
They may also become intensely focused on new or exciting activities, like video games, while struggling with everyday tasks.
Here are some signs of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD:
Difficulty sitting still; lots of fidgeting or squirming
Always “on the move,” even when it’s time to settle down
Talking a lot, sometimes interrupting or blurting out answers
Struggling with turn-taking in games or conversations
Needing frequent breaks during class or homework
Acting without thinking about consequences
Kids with combined ADHD show signs of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types.
What causes ADHD?
Research shows that there isn’t a single cause of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder; it’s shaped by both genetics and environment.
For example, diagnosed children may have fewer brain chemicals that help regulate memory, attention, and movement. Having a parent or sibling with ADHD can raise risk, as can exposures like cigarette smoke or lead in early childhood. Being born prematurely or after a complicated pregnancy also plays a role.
How you and your child respond to each other (as well as other important figures in your child’s life like teachers) can also make ADHD symptoms feel even bigger and more frustrating. Kids with ADHD are not typically acting out on purpose. They have trouble recruiting the resources to organize their environment and make thoughtful decisions. Learning strategies to highlight the things your child is doing well and to provide structure for the things that are not going so well can really shift things for the better.
Some experts even believe these traits may have been an advantage in the past helping people adapt, solve problems, and think creatively in changing environments.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
In children, diagnosis comes from a careful review of medical, developmental, school, and social history. Here are a few key things to know:
Sometimes symptoms can look a lot like typical kid behavior. A child bouncing off the walls might simply be “acting childish.”
Other conditions can look similar, such as hearing problems, learning differences, anxiety, or depression. In fact, about 6 in 10 kids diagnosed with ADHD also have another behavioral health condition that may need extra support.
Only a doctor can diagnose ADHD. The process starts with sharing how your child’s behaviors affect their daily life and how long it’s been happening.
Starting the conversation with your doctor is the first step to finding the resources and support that your child needs.
How it affects kids differently
ADHD signs usually show up in more than one setting — like both at home and at school — but they often become more noticeable once kids start school full-time and daily demands increase. The way it shows up can also vary by age and look different in boys, girls, and kids across the gender spectrum.
Symptoms associated mainly with boys are often hard to miss, like leaving their seat or blurting out answers in class. Symptoms associated mainly with girls can be easier to overlook, such as daydreaming, forgetting assignments, or seeming “spacey.”
The truth is, we still need more research to fully understand how ADHD shows up and how it’s diagnosed across genders and racial identities.
How ADHD is treated
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a lifelong condition, but with the right support it can be managed successfully. The most effective care takes a personalized, family-centered approach. For children age 6 and older, medication has been shown to be safe and effective, but it’s not the only tool. Treatment can also include:
General wellness: making sure your child gets enough sleep, eats well, and stays active
Family education and support: tools like parent management training and strategies to build organizational skills (a BrightLife Kids coach can help with this)
Care for other conditions: addressing other challenges that may show up at the same time, such as anxiety, depression, or oppositional defiant disorder
Support at school: whether that’s help with a learning difference, getting a daily check-in from teachers, or setting up a 504 plan or Individualized Education Program
It can feel like a lot to take in, but remember — kids with ADHD can absolutely thrive. This diagnosis isn’t about being “less than”; it’s about seeing and experiencing the world differently.
Many kids with ADHD are bursting with creativity, energy, and out-of-the-box problem-solving skills. With the right support and strategies, those traits can become superpowers that help your child shine. And you don’t have to figure it out on your own; we’re here to help.
At BrightLife Kids, we have behavior health coaches who are trained in helping children identify the signs of ADHD and developing strategies to thrive. We’re here to help parents and caregivers, too. If you have concerns about your child’s behavior or you’d like to speak with a BrightLife Kids coach, you can sign up for free any time.