In our previous posts, we've covered how ADHD is clinically diagnosed in children. Many parents already have some understanding of what ADHD looks like on paper... but what about real life? How can you tell, day to day, whether your child might show signs of ADHD?
The two most important things are observation and asking questions.
Observation: Look Beyond the Behaviour
Observation is more than what your child does; it's about WHY they do it.
- When your child can't fall asleep, is it because of restless legs, or simply too much screen time before bed that keeps the brain alert?
- If grades start to drop, is it truly a focus issue, or could it be a mismatch with the teacher's teaching style?
- When they can't keep their room tidy, is it a lack of structure and guidance, or do they genuinely struggle to stay organised even with clear help and reminders?
As parents, we first need to allow room for mistakes. In cases where no other clear explanation seems to fit (for instance, sleep issues, environmental stress, or mismatched teaching styles), considering ADHD as a potential factor becomes appropriate.
The key is to observe across settings and over time. ADHD isn't defined by a bad day; it's a pattern that shows up at home, at school, and during play.
Asking Questions = Gather More Perspectives
When you're unsure, start by asking, not diagnosing!
- Ask your child: Use open questions ("What's happening in your head during homework?"), reflect back ("It sounds like your brain speeds up after screens"), and validate feelings. Understanding from your child's perspective strengthens the parent-child bridge; that's valuable at any stage.
- Ask teachers: How does your child behave in class? Are they easily distracted, forgetful, or impulsive? Do these behaviours seem consistent, or only happen at certain times? Teachers often notice things parents can't see at home.
- Ask classmates or other parents: During play, is your child overly energetic, impatient, or quick to interrupt? Getting insight from peers helps you see how they function socially.
- Ask professionals: At FasTreat, our providers always look for third-party perspectives from teachers, parents, and sometimes even classmates as part of a comprehensive assessment. This multi-source approach is essential in distinguishing ADHD from other causes, such as anxiety, sleep problems, or environmental stress.
The goal isn't to collect evidence for or against ADHD, but to understand the full picture of your child's daily life.
Avoid Two Common Traps
Parents often fall into one of two extremes:
- Over-interpreting every restless moment as ADHD.
- Downplaying clear patterns of inattention or impulsivity as "just being a kid".
Often, ADHD is about how much it impacts learning, friendships, and self-esteem.
A Message to Parents
When parents slow down to notice patterns and ask the right questions, they're actually helping their child feel seen, supported, and safe. If, after careful observation, you still feel unsure, don't hesitate to reach out. At FasTreat, our clinicians work with parents, teachers, and children together to piece together the full story and find the right support path, without judgment, without rush, and always with compassion.
