ADHD In Kids and Teens

If your child is always on the go or loses focus in a flash, ADHD could be the reason. Get the facts about ADHD, including what it is, how it can affect kids at home and school, and the ways you can help your child focus and thrive.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a common neurodevelopmental condition characterized by patterns of inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Getting a diagnosis can help impact a child’s school performance, relationships and overall well-being.

“It’s important to note that ADHD is not a reflection of a child’s intelligence or capability,” says Karen Dewling, MD, Pediatrician at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “It is a challenge that is manageable with the appropriate support.”

Teen boy sitting at desk looking sad and disinterested

What are the different types of ADHD?

There are three main types of ADHD:

  • Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD: Kids who fall into this category may be very talkative and have trouble sitting still. They may come across as impulsive, disruptive or restless.
  • Inattentive ADHD: Formally known as ADD, kids in this category may be easily distracted, have trouble focusing and staying on task, and lack organizational skills. Often, it may look like they are not listening or “zoning out.”
  • Combined: Kids in this category have a mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. This is the most common type of ADHD in kids and teens.

What causes ADHD in kids?

While the exact cause of ADHD is still unknown, researchers have discovered a genetic component since ADHD can run in families. Other potential risk factors include:

  • Premature birth.
  • Head injuries.
  • Exposure to alcohol or tobacco during pregnancy.
  • Environmental factors.

What are ADHD symptoms in kids and teens?

ADHD does not look the same in every child. Children with ADHD may:

  • Have trouble staying focused, sitting still, completing tasks or following directions.
  • Be hyperactive or impulsive.
  • Have difficulty regulating emotions.
  • Seem preoccupied or daydream.

“A child may show one or all of these symptoms, and symptoms can range widely from child to child,” notes Dr. Dewling. “Symptoms typically become more evident once a child enters school, where attention and planning are crucial. If a parent sees consistent patterns that affect their child’s learning, focus, energy levels or relationships, an ADHD evaluation may be the next step.”

How is ADHD diagnosed in kids and teens?

An ADHD evaluation is the first step in diagnosing a child. An ADHD evaluation provides important insight into a child’s attention, behavior and learning patterns. It also prevents mislabeling and helps identify a child’s strengths, coping skills and environmental factors that may influence their behavior.

Following an ADHD evaluation, a child will have a follow-up visit to discuss the results and explain what they mean.

  • If a child is diagnosed with ADHD, their doctor will discuss individual treatment options, such as behavioral strategies, counseling, school support plans and medication if appropriate.
  • If the evaluation does not confirm ADHD, their doctor will continue exploring other possible factors, like anxiety, learning differences, sleep issues or environment stressors that may be affecting a child’s focus or behavior.

What is the difference between an ADHD evaluation and diagnosis?

Understanding the difference between an ADHD evaluation and an official diagnosis can help families navigate the process with confidence.

An ADHD evaluation is a comprehensive, in-depth process that is used to understand a child’s needs and challenges. It looks at the whole child, not just one behavior or moment in time. ADHD evaluations typically take a few hours over multiple appointments, but each step is critical for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

An ADHD evaluation typically includes:

  • Medical history and physical exam to help rule out other underlying health conditions.
  • Intake interview or consultation to help a doctor better understand a child’s environment and experiences. During an intake interview, a parent or guardian will share their child’s developmental history, behavior patterns at home and school, academic performance, social interactions, daily routines, sleep patterns and any concerns.
  • Standardized questionnaires completed by parents and teachers to help gain a better understanding of a child’s behaviors in different settings. For example, a child may focus well on art projects at home but struggle to complete assignments in class.
  • Developmental and behavioral screenings to assess a child’s attention, impulsivity, memory and hyperactivity. A child may be asked to complete tasks or answer questions that gauge their focus and executive functioning skills.
  • Collaboration between a child’s family and school to help create a well-rounded view of a child’s strengths and challenges.

By gathering detailed information, doctors can determine whether ADHD or another condition is contributing to a child’s difficulties.

Note, while standardized screening tools or questionnaires can help highlight patterns linked to ADHD, these assessments do not diagnose ADHD alone. Rather, they guide a doctor in determining whether additional evaluation is needed.

During the diagnostic process, a doctor rules out other medical, emotional or developmental issues that may resemble ADHD, including anxiety, learning challenges, hearing problems or sleep issues.

An ADHD diagnosis is only made when symptoms:

  • Meet established clinical criteria.
  • Are consistent.
  • Appear in multiple settings.
  • Significantly interfere with daily life.

An ADHD diagnosis provides clarity and direction. It helps families access support, treatment and school accommodations that help strengthen a child’s learning, confidence and emotional well-being.

Why is early diagnosis important for kids with ADHD?

ADHD can affect a child’s school performance, relationships and self-esteem, so early diagnosis is important to a child’s overall well-being.

Identifying ADHD at a young age:

  • Provides children with effective strategies and tools to overcome challenges and manage their symptoms sooner.
  • Helps boost a child’s confidence by helping them understand their unique learning styles.
  • Allows parents and teachers to better address a child’s needs through accommodations or interventions, building a strong foundation for a child’s future.

How can I help a child or teen with ADHD?

After completing an ADHD evaluation, a child will be guided through treatment options tailored to their needs. These may include:

  • Behavior strategies.
  • School accommodations.
  • Medication, if appropriate.

Some children may also benefit from structed routines, organizational tools or counseling.

The goal is to help children focus, manage emotions and feel confident at home and in school. Doctors can work with families to develop personalized plans that grow with kids.

Why is regular follow-up important?

ADHD management is not a one-time conversation. Children change as they grow and their needs may shift over time.

Regular follow-up visits allow a child’s doctor to:

  • Monitor a child’s progress, including academic progress, emotional well-being and social development.
  • Adjust treatment recommendations as a child’s needs evolve.
  • Monitor a child’s medication to assess effectiveness, adjust dosing and address any side effects.
  • Answer any questions.

We encourage parents to share updates from home and school, so care remains responsive and personalized. Consistent follow-up supports long-term stability and confidence.

Karen Dewling, MD, is a board-certified Pediatrician at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. She provides pediatric primary care services at Children’s Johns Creek Pediatrics and Children’s Forsyth-Cumming Pediatrics. Dr. Dewling earned her medical degree and completed her internship and residency training at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

This content is general information and is not specific medical advice. Always consult with a doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about the health of a child. In case of an urgent concern or emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away. Some physicians and affiliated healthcare professionals on the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta team are independent providers and are not our employees.