What is ADHD?

ADHD—short for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder—is one of the most common conditions affecting kids today. At its core, it’s about differences in attention, energy, and impulse control. For some, that might mean getting distracted easily. For others, it’s constant movement or jumping into things without stopping to think first.

These traits aren’t just “bad habits” or signs of laziness—they’re part of how the brain works. ADHD is a lifelong condition, and when it’s not supported well, it can spill over into all areas of life: schoolwork, friendships, self-esteem, and even career paths later on. Many children with ADHD grow up to be adults who are extra sensitive to criticism, partly because they’ve been hearing it for so long.

How Common Is It?

You might be surprised—ADHD shows up in about 8 out of every 100 kids and 2–3 out of every 100 adults. It’s often first noticed in school, where sitting still, focusing, or finishing assignments can become a struggle. Boys tend to be diagnosed more often, but that’s usually because their hyperactive symptoms are more obvious. Girls often have quieter, more inattentive symptoms that can fly under the radar

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Signs to Look Out For:

Sure, all kids get wiggly or lose focus sometimes—that’s normal. But with ADHD, things like restlessness, impulsive actions, trouble organizing tasks, or losing focus happen much more often and make daily life harder. It’s not because the child is stubborn or can’t understand; it’s because their brain processes things differently.

Three Main Types of ADHD

1. Mostly inattentive – Trouble staying focused, following instructions, or staying organized.

2. Mostly hyperactive/impulsive – Constant movement, fidgeting, and acting before thinking.

3. Combined type – A mix of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive traits.

When & How ADHD Is Diagnosed?

ADHD can be identified at any age, but the signs always start in childhood—before age 12. They need to show up in more than one setting (like both home and school) and stick around for at least six months. A proper diagnosis comes from looking at the full picture, not just one or two behaviors in isolation.