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- A child with ADHD has long-standing difficulty directing attention, controlling impulses and/or regulating activity beyond what is expected for their developmental age.
- Features must occur in more than one setting and cause clear limitations. Difficulties only at home or only at school are not enough for a careful diagnosis.
- Lack of sleep, learning difficulties, anxiety, trauma, autism, hearing or vision problems and an unsuitable learning environment can resemble ADHD or coexist with it.
- Assessment uses information from the child, parents or carers, and school, and considers development and physical and mental health.
- Parent support and school adjustments are important. For young children, behavioural support and parent training come first.
- Medication can help when there are clear limitations and requires assessment, shared decision-making and monitoring of its effect, growth, appetite, sleep, pulse and blood pressure.
- Punishing behaviour a child cannot yet regulate often makes things worse. Predictability, immediate feedback and manageable steps work better.
- Self-harm, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, severe aggression or a serious medication reaction require immediate help.
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