ADHD, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in children. It is not the result of poor parenting or laziness. It is a different way in which the brain manages attention, movement and impulses. The good news is that a child with ADHD can be helped effectively, and the earlier the better.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a condition with a neurobiological basis, linked among other things to how the brain areas responsible for attention, response inhibition and planning work. The symptoms fall into three areas, inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. In some children one dominates, in others they occur together.
Symptoms of ADHD in a child
It is worth remembering that individual behaviours happen to every child. We think of ADHD when symptoms are intense, persist for a long time and hinder functioning in several settings. Typical signals are:
Inattention
- difficulty sustaining focus on a task, especially an unappealing one,
- losing things, forgetting instructions and duties,
- being easily distracted and seeming absent-minded,
- avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort.
Hyperactivity
- fidgeting, swinging legs, getting up at inappropriate moments,
- excessive talkativeness and a sense of inner restlessness,
- difficulty resting and calming down.
Impulsivity
- acting without thinking, interrupting and butting in,
- difficulty waiting for one's turn,
- sudden emotional reactions.
In some children, more often girls, the predominantly inattentive type dominates. Without pronounced hyperactivity, such a child is often seen as dreamy or slow, and their difficulties are easily overlooked. We write about a similar mechanism in our article on masking.
Where does ADHD come from?
ADHD has a strong genetic basis and often runs in families. Factors related to the course of pregnancy and birth, and to the maturation of the nervous system, also matter. What ADHD certainly does not cause is too little discipline or too much sugar. Such myths are harmful, because they burden parents and children with blame instead of leading to real help.
What does an ADHD assessment look like?
A reliable ADHD assessment never rests on a single test. We combine several sources of information to get a full picture of a child's functioning at home, at school and in relationships. At BELMED® the process includes:
- An interview with parents. We learn the developmental history, the course of the difficulties and their intensity.
- Observation of the child. We check how they cope in situations that require attention and self-control.
- The Conners 3® test. A standardised questionnaire completed by a parent, a teacher and, at an older age, the child.
- EEG Biofeedback. An assessment of the brain's bioelectrical activity that adds neurophysiological data to the picture.
You will find details on the ADHD assessment page. We end the whole process with a written opinion and concrete recommendations.
ADHD and other difficulties
Symptoms similar to ADHD can stem from other causes, for example anxiety disorders, sleep problems, and also auditory processing disorder, when a child gets lost in instructions because analysing sounds is harder for them. That is why differential assessment matters so much, checking what really lies at the root of the difficulties. ADHD is also sometimes linked with the autism spectrum, dyslexia or emotional difficulties.
How to help a child with ADHD?
Effective support is multi-directional and tailored to the individual child. The most important elements are:
- Psychoeducation. Understanding what ADHD is lifts the burden of blame from the child and the family.
- Structure and predictability. Clear rules, routines, breaking tasks into small steps and visible daily plans.
- School support. Small adjustments, a seat near the teacher, short instructions, breaks for movement.
- Skills training and emotional support. Work on self-regulation, relationships and self-esteem, also with a psychologist.
- EEG Biofeedback. Training in self-regulation of brain activity, described in a separate article on EEG Biofeedback for ADHD.
- Pharmacotherapy, when indicated. Only a psychiatrist decides on medication, usually with pronounced symptoms.
No method works without a warm, patient relationship. A child with ADHD hears a great many critical remarks during the day. Appreciating effort, not just results, builds motivation more effectively than punishment.
The strengths of children with ADHD
ADHD is not only difficulties. Many children with ADHD are marked by energy, creativity, unconventional thinking, curiosity about the world and the ability to engage fully in what genuinely interests them, so-called hyperfocus. When we create the right conditions, these traits become a real asset. That is why therapy is not about changing the child, but about helping them use their own potential.
When to see a specialist?
It is worth booking a consultation if symptoms have persisted for a while, occur in various situations and genuinely hinder a child's learning, relationships or everyday functioning. An early assessment is not about sticking on a label, but about a child getting support tailored to their needs as soon as possible. At BELMED® in Tczew we provide both assessment and therapy for children with ADHD.
Do you suspect ADHD in your child?
Book a consultation. We will calmly assess your child's functioning and advise whether a full assessment is needed.
This article is for information only and does not replace a consultation or assessment. For an individual assessment, see our ADHD assessment page.