Key points
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects how the brain regulates attention, behaviour, and emotions.
- The condition starts in early childhood while the brain is developing. It often runs in families.
- To others, children with ADHD can seem impulsive, hyperactive, and as though they have trouble focusing their attention. However, not all children with these symptoms have ADHD.
- No single test can diagnose ADHD. Health professionals will gather information from many sources to get a full picture of a child’s behaviour before making a diagnosis.
- Many children with ADHD also have other related conditions, such as learning troubles, anxiety, and sleep problems.
- A doctor may suggest medicine for ADHD if it is having a big impact on your child’s life.
- Positive parenting strategies, school support, and counselling will help most children with ADHD.
What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects how the brain regulates attention, behaviour, and emotions. It starts during early childhood, as the brain is developing.
Much like other neurodevelopmental conditions, ADHD is closely linked to genetics and often runs in families. It is the result of multiple interacting genes. However, certain factors can also increase the chance of a child developing ADHD, including premature
birth, low birth weight, and brain injury.
Children with ADHD may have problems with school, friendships, and family life. This is because their brains are wired differently, and they live in a world designed for people with typical brains. With the right strategies and support, they can live
successful and productive lives.
Traits of ADHD
Some of the most common traits of ADHD include:
- Attention difficulties
- For example, trouble focusing, forgetting instructions, and moving from one task to another without completing the previous one.
- Impulsivity
- For example, acting without thinking, speaking over the top of others, losing control of emotions easily, and being accident-prone.
- Overactivity
- For example, feeling restless, trouble staying still, talking a lot, and constantly fidgeting.
Your child’s traits will depend on their condition.
There are three main types of ADHD:
- Inattentive – Easily distracted and forgetful, but not usually hyperactive or impulsive.
- Hyperactive-impulsive – Hyperactive and impulsive, but not usually easily distracted. This type is rare.
- Combined – Easily distracted, hyperactive, and impulsive. This is the most common type.
How do I know if my child has ADHD?
It is normal for children to show a range of behaviours and express themselves in many ways while their brains and skills are developing. They may sometimes struggle to pay attention, act before thinking, or lose control of their emotions. These behaviours
do not always mean your child has ADHD.
If your child’s behaviours are affecting their daily life and causing problems, it is best to speak with their doctor.
How to support your child with ADHD
See a doctor
You should take your child to see their regular doctor (general practitioner or ‘GP’) if you suspect they may have ADHD. Only health professionals with special training can diagnose children with the condition. Some general practitioners (GPs) can diagnose
ADHD, but many will refer families to a specialist, such as a:
- Paediatrician
- Child psychologist
- Child psychiatrist.
There is no single test for ADHD. Making a diagnosis involves a detailed assessment with insights from many sources to build a full picture of your child’s behaviour. The doctor or specialist may speak with your child’s school and include other health
professionals, such as a speech pathologist.
Many children with ADHD also have other related conditions, such as anxiety, learning troubles, or sleep problems. These need to be assessed and managed alongside the ADHD.
Care at home
The best way to help your child manage their ADHD symptoms is by using positive parenting strategies.
- Always try to speak with your child calmly and consistently. Controlling your own emotions can help your child control theirs.
- Make sure your child is listening before giving instructions. They are less likely to follow instructions that are lengthy or shouted across a room.
- It may help to shorten instructions. For example, using single words like ‘stop.’ Speak with a calm voice and praise them when they complete the task.
- Create a daily routine with your child, including regular meals and sleep times.
- This helps to them to know what to expect, reduces mental load, and frees their brain up to process other information.
- Sleep is also vital for learning and controlling emotions.
- Help build your child’s social and self-regulation skills. This will reduce the need for support over time and empower them to become more confident and capable.
- Think about what helps your child feel less overwhelmed or soothes them. Do they like taking a toy when they leave the house? Are they happiest having pre-planned play dates with like-minded friends?
- Speak to your child’s teachers about possible changes to their learning environment.
- For example, they may find it easier to focus if they sit on a wobble chair or cushion.
- Consider ongoing counselling for your child or the whole family.
If your child’s symptoms are having a big impact on their life even after trying these strategies, their doctor may suggest medicine.
Stimulant medicine for ADHD
The most effective treatment for symptoms of ADHD is stimulant medicine. It has been the standard treatment for children with ADHD since the 1970s.
Stimulant medicine is one of the most highly researched of any medicines for children. It is safe and not addictive in the doses used to treat ADHD.
In Australia, paediatricians, child psychiatrists, neurologists, and some GPs can prescribe stimulants to children.
How do stimulants work for ADHD?
Stimulants act on the parts of the brain involved in controlling attention and arousal (being alert and awake). They increase levels of certain chemicals which, in turn, work to improve concentration, impulse control and hyperactivity in many children
with ADHD.
The two most common stimulants used in Australia are methylphenidate and dexamphetamine. Both have similar actions and side effects. There are also non-stimulant medicines for ADHD, like atomoxetine, clonidine,
and guanfacine. They can help some children with ADHD, such as those who experience side effects with stimulants.
Side effects of stimulant medicines
The most common side effect of stimulant medicines is reduced hunger – especially at lunchtime. This can sometimes make it harder for children to gain weight.
Less common side effects include:
- Stomach aches
- Headaches and dizziness
- Trouble falling asleep
- Mood changes, such as feeling grumpy, withdrawn, or highly emotional.
Some children will have no side effects at all.
If your child has side effects from stimulants, a health professional may change their dose or the time they take the medicine each day. Your child can stop taking stimulants immediately if they have more serious side effects. They will not feel withdrawal
effects.
Stimulant medicine may also cause a very small increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Before starting stimulants, your child may require tests if they have a known heart or blood vessel abnormality or a family history of heart problems.
Your child’s treating doctor will monitor their height, weight, heart rate, and blood pressure while they are taking stimulant medicines. This will be more regular in the early stages of treatment, then at least every six months.
Common questions about ADHD
Is ADHD a disability?
Many people with ADHD lead very successful lives. In fact, there are many strengths to having an ADHD brain, such as creativity and thinking outside the box, quick-wittedness, and high levels of enthusiasm. However, it can also impact learning
outcomes and mental health. That is why it is important to diagnose and manage it early.
My preschooler is very hyperactive and impulsive. Can I have them tested for ADHD?
Usually, children must be at least about five years old to get an ADHD assessment. Young children can be very active and have short attention spans. This is within the normal range of behaviour for their age.
Some children can be assessed at a younger age if there are special circumstances – for example, a strong family history of ADHD. You should discuss this with your child's doctor.
Can you get ADHD from a brain injury?
Brain injuries can cause a form of ADHD. It may have the same symptoms, but it is triggered by physical changes to the brain that can occur with a brain injury.
If my child does not have ADHD, what else could be causing their behaviour?
There are several reasons why your child may be inattentive, impulsive, or hyperactive. For example, they may have a health condition, emotional problems, learning troubles, hearing issues, or poor-quality sleep. Talk to your child’s doctor if
you are worried.
Will my child grow out of their ADHD?
Your child may still have ADHD symptoms as they grow up, but their symptoms may change over time. Most children find it easier to manage their symptoms as they get older, and many people no longer have challenging symptoms by the time they are
adults.
Is ADHD a form of autism?
Autism and ADHD are both neurodevelopmental conditions. This means they result from brain differences and emerge during early childhood. Another word for these differences in development is ‘neurodivergent.’ While ADHD and autism have their own
distinct patterns of symptoms, there is some overlap, and many people have both conditions.
What if my child’s teacher does not see the same behaviours that I do at home?
Some children with ADHD hide or compensate for their challenges at school; this is sometimes called ‘masking.’ Your child may do this if they are highly conscious of fitting in, for fear of getting into trouble or standing out. It is hard for
teachers to notice behavioural differences if your child tends to mask.
Children who mask at school often let go of their built-up feelings at home, where they feel safe. Over time, this can impact their mental health and wellbeing as it requires a lot of energy, and they may start feeling like it is not acceptable
to be themselves.
Does my child really need ADHD medicine?
Every child is different. There is a lot of scientific evidence to show that stimulant medicines are the most effective way to treat ADHD symptoms. Positive parenting strategies, school support, and counselling are also very important and effective
ways to help manage ADHD symptoms. If your child’s ADHD symptoms are affecting their day-to-day life and wellbeing, a doctor may suggest stimulant medicine as part of their treatment plan.
Are ADHD medicines addictive for children?
Stimulant medicines are not addictive in the doses used for children with ADHD. They are extremely safe and among the most highly researched of any medicine for children.
For more information
Developed by The Royal Children’s Hospital Psychology department, with input from the Centre for Community Child Health. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.
Reviewed April 2026
Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.