Understand more about ADHD in children and young people, and find out how we can help.
ADHD looks different for every child and young person. Some signs are easy to spot. Others are more subtle, especially in children who are coping well on the surface, have learned to mask, or do not match common stereotypes.
Masking, coping and compensating
Some children and young people with ADHD work very hard to keep up, especially in school. They may rely on reminders, strict routines, or lots of adult support to stay organised and on track. Some children hide their difficulties because they worry about getting into trouble, being told off, or being seen as “naughty”, “lazy”, or “not trying”.
These coping strategies can help a child get through the day. They can also be tiring and may contribute to stress, anxiety, low confidence, or a drop in wellbeing over time.
Seeing ADHD more clearly
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference, and how it shows up can change depending on the environment, stress levels, sleep, and the support a young person has. A child may cope well in one setting and struggle in another.
For example, your child may manage better in lessons they enjoy or when a task is short and clear, but find it much harder to cope with longer tasks, transitions, independent work, or busy and distracting environments. Some children seem to “hold it together” at school and then crash at home, appearing exhausted, irritable, or overwhelmed.
Common signs of ADHD in children and young people
You may recognise some of these experiences in your child:
finding it hard to stay focused, especially on tasks they find less interesting
knowing what they need to do but struggling to get started
needing frequent reminders to stay on track or finish tasks
losing track of time, running late, or misjudging how long things will take
forgetting homework, PE kit, equipment, messages, or appointments
misplacing items, or losing things regularly
being easily distracted by noise, movement, or interruptions, and finding it hard to return to a task
becoming very absorbed in one thing they enjoy, and finding it hard to switch attention
restlessness, fidgeting, or finding it hard to sit still for long periods
interrupting, blurting things out, or finding waiting and turn taking difficult
big emotional reactions that arrive quickly and take time to settle
When ADHD is missed or misunderstood
Some children and young people are missed or misinterpreted, especially those whose difficulties show up mainly as inattentiveness, daydreaming, anxiety, perfectionism, or overwhelm rather than obvious hyperactivity. This can be more common in some girls, and also in children who mask, who do well academically, or who have learned to quietly push through.
Types of ADHD
Clinicians often describe ADHD in three presentations. Many children show a mix, and how it presents can change with age and circumstances.
Overload and burnout
Some children and young people experience periods of overload or exhaustion. This can happen after long stretches of trying to manage school demands, social pressures, sensory input, and constant reminders or corrections.
When a child is overloaded or burnt out, you may notice:
much lower energy than usual, or increased tiredness after school
more emotional outbursts
more difficulty starting tasks or coping with everyday routines
appearing low in mood, anxious, or more withdrawn
increased sensitivity to noise, demands, or interruptions
reduced confidence, or more negative self-talk
These signs can overlap with anxiety, low mood, sleep difficulties, or other needs. If this feels familiar, it is a sign your child may need more support, not a sign that they have failed. Practical adjustments, rest, and the right clinical guidance can help.
These signs are not a complete list and they are not exclusive to ADHD. Some can also be linked to other needs or experiences, such as anxiety, sleep difficulties, autism, learning differences, trauma, or everyday stress. If you recognise some of these patterns in your child, an ADHD assessment can help clarify what is driving them and whether the difficulties are related to ADHD or something else, so you can access the right support.