Hyperactivity or Short Attention Span

“When is it normal—and when should parents consider an assessment?”

Young children are naturally active, curious and easily distracted. Their attention span also develops gradually with age. Being unable to sit still, getting distracted or needing frequent reminders does not automatically mean a child has ADHD.

Concern is greater when inattention, hyperactivity or impulsive behaviour is more frequent or severe than expected for the child's developmental age, persists over time and affects learning, relationships, safety or everyday functioning.

ADHD is diagnosed based on a persistent pattern of symptoms and their impact, not simply because a child is energetic or has a short attention span.

“What is ADHD?”

According to the DSM-5-TR, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by developmentally inappropriate and persistent symptoms of:

• Inattention — difficulty sustaining attention, following through on instructions, organising tasks, remembering everyday activities or resisting distractions.
• Hyperactivity and impulsivity — excessive movement or talking, difficulty staying seated, acting without thinking, interrupting or having difficulty waiting for a turn.

For children under 17 years, DSM-5-TR requires at least 6 symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity, depending on the presentation. Symptoms should:

• Have been present for at least 6 months.
• Be inconsistent with the child's developmental level.
• Have been present before age 12 years.
• Be seen in 2 or more settings, such as home and school.
• Clearly interfere with learning, social relationships or daily functioning.
• Not be better explained by another condition or situation.

Important: A child does not need to be "naughty", disruptive or unable to sit still to have ADHD. Some children mainly experience difficulties with attention, organisation and completing tasks.

Common Questions Parents Ask

"My child cannot sit still. Does that mean ADHD?"

Not necessarily. Young children naturally have high activity levels, and expectations should be appropriate for their age. ADHD is considered when the pattern is persistent, significantly greater than expected and causes difficulties in everyday functioning.

"My child can concentrate for hours when playing games. Can they still have ADHD?"

Yes. ADHD is not simply an inability to concentrate on anything. Some children can focus very well on activities that are highly interesting or rewarding but struggle with tasks requiring sustained effort, organisation or delayed rewards.

"If my child's teacher says he is hyperactive, does he have ADHD?"

Not automatically. Information from school is important, but diagnosis requires a broader assessment. Clinicians also consider behaviour at home and other settings, developmental history and possible alternative explanations.

"Can ADHD only happen in boys?"

No. ADHD can occur in both boys and girls. Girls may be less obviously hyperactive and may present more with inattentiveness, organisational difficulties or internalising difficulties, so their challenges can sometimes be overlooked.

"Does too much screen time cause ADHD?"

Screen use and attention difficulties can be related, but screen time alone does not establish an ADHD diagnosis. Sleep, routines, the type of screen activity and the child's overall developmental and behavioural pattern should also be considered.

"Is ADHD caused by bad parenting?"

No. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition. Parenting strategies can influence how well a child manages their symptoms, but ADHD is not simply the result of poor discipline or parents being too lenient.

"Does an ADHD diagnosis mean my child needs medication?"

Not every child needs medication, but medication has an important role when indicated. Treatment should be individualised based on the child’s age, symptom severity and functional impairment. Behavioural and school-based support remain important, while medication may be recommended when symptoms are significant or continue to impair daily functioning despite supportive measures.

“When Should My Child Be Assessed?”

What to Expect During the Consultation

Assessment may include developmental and medical history, sleep, school progress and questionnaires completed by parents and teachers. ADHD is not diagnosed from one behaviour or one short visit; clinicians look for a persistent pattern across settings and consider other possible explanations before recommending support.