Does your child often lose their belongings, struggle to plan ahead, or feel overwhelmed when starting tasks? Do they find it hard to stay focused or shift attention between activities? If you find yourself answering yes to these questions, it may be worth learning more about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, also known as ADHD.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition or trait that affects Executive Functioning but also comes with positive attributes. People with ADHD tend to have fast brains, are full of energy and show unusually creative thinking but because of their Executive Function deficits struggle to turn those strengths into achievement particularly when they are undiagnosed and don’t understand their brains. Kids with ADHD, when diagnosed early, typically respond well to medication and coaching.
One hallmark sign of ADHD is unexplained underachievement. Unexplained underachievement in children may present as consistently performing below their potential in academics, extracurricular activities, or social interactions, even when there are no obvious obstacles such as lack of effort, interest, or access to resources. For example, a child who demonstrates strong verbal skills during conversations may struggle significantly with written assignments, or a student who understands complex math concepts can’t perform on tests due to detail errors. This discrepancy often leaves parents and teachers puzzled, as the child’s abilities suggest they are capable of much more.
ADHD is highly heritable which means that a child with ADHD most likely has people in their family tree with ADHD as well. According to a recent meta-analysis, the heritability of ADHD is estimated at 77–88%.
Types of ADHD
The DSM-5 identifies three types of ADHD based on the presence of specific symptoms over the past six months. The combined presentation includes enough symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. The predominantly inattentive presentation involves significant inattention symptoms without hyperactivity-impulsivity, while the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation includes hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms without inattention. These categories aim to assist in diagnosis and treatment but may not fully reflect the complexity of ADHD. While traditional classification systems serve a purpose in clinical diagnosis and treatment planning, they often fail to capture the nuanced and individualized nature of ADHD. Rather than being a uniform condition, we must look at ADHD along a spectrum, with symptoms and severity that vary from one person to another. These differences can also shift over time, with symptoms presenting differently in children, adolescents, and adults.
Pursuing a Diagnosis of ADHD
If you suspect your child may have ADHD, the first step is obtaining an official diagnosis. This process can provide clarity and guide you toward appropriate support and resources. Insert CTA: (If you suspect you child has ADHD, take the free HabitCoach Executive Function assessment to get some more insight.)
Where Should I Bring My Child To Be Diagnosed with ADHD?
Several types of health professionals can diagnose ADHD, including pediatricians, child psychologists, psychiatrists, and neurologists. However, not all professionals have the same level of experience or specialization. It is crucial to choose a provider with expertise in evaluating ADHD in younger populations. Specialists who regularly work with children and teens are more likely to conduct thorough assessments, consider co-occurring conditions, and provide accurate diagnoses. They may use tools like clinical interviews, behavior checklists, and symptom assessments based on DSM-5 criteria. These evaluations offer insights not only into whether your child has ADHD but also offer insight into the severity of the condition and also how the condition might be affecting their daily life.
Does My Child Need a Full Neuropsychological Test for ADHD Diagnosis?
The short answer is no. A complete evaluation is not required for an ADHD diagnosis. Most professionals can diagnose ADHD using clinical interviews and behavior rating scales. However, a comprehensive evaluation can provide a deeper understanding of your child’s cognitive and learning profile. Neuropsychological testing evaluates areas such as memory, processing speed, Executive Functioning, and academic skills. This type of assessment can be particularly helpful if your child is struggling in school or if you suspect other learning difficulties in addition to ADHD. While it is not mandatory, it can offer valuable insights that inform more targeted interventions and support strategies.
How Can HabitCoach Help?
At HabitCoach, we provide coaching to children and teens with ADHD. Our coaches provide practical strategies to address challenges like procrastination, disorganization, and emotional regulation. By working one-on-one with your child, HabitCoach helps them develop routines, manage their time effectively, and build confidence in their ability to tackle everyday tasks.
