Understanding ADHD: Symptoms, Strengths, and Support
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in children. While it’s often associated with distraction or hyperactivity, ADHD is far more nuanced. With the right support, children with ADHD can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally -often bringing creativity, energy, and resilience to everything they do.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a brain-based condition that affects attention, impulse control, and executive functioning skills. Executive functioning includes abilities like planning, organizing, prioritizing, managing time, and regulating emotions. When these skills are underdeveloped or inconsistent, everyday tasks - like completing homework or remembering instructions - can feel overwhelming.
There are three primary presentations of ADHD:
Predominantly Inattentive Type
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
Combined Type
Each child’s experience is unique, and symptoms can look different depending on age, environment, and individual temperament.
Common ADHD Symptoms in Children
Inattention symptoms may include:
Difficulty sustaining focus on tasks
Frequently losing items (homework, backpacks, pencils)
Forgetting instructions or steps
Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort
Seeming not to listen when spoken to directly
Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms may include:
Fidgeting or squirming
Difficulty remaining seated
Talking excessively
Interrupting others
Acting without thinking about consequences
It’s important to note that all children display some of these behaviors occasionally. ADHD is diagnosed when symptoms are persistent, developmentally inappropriate, and significantly interfere with daily functioning at school, home, or in social settings.
The Emotional Impact
Beyond academics, ADHD can affect self-esteem. Children who frequently hear “pay attention,” “try harder,” or “sit still” may internalize the belief that something is wrong with them. Over time, this can lead to frustration, anxiety, or avoidance of challenging tasks.
However, many children with ADHD are also imaginative, enthusiastic, empathetic, and capable of deep focus - especially when engaged in activities they enjoy. Recognizing strengths is just as important as addressing challenges.
Treatment Options for ADHD
Effective ADHD treatment is typically multimodal, meaning it combines several approaches tailored to the child’s needs.
1. Behavioral Therapy
Behavioral therapy helps children build skills for organization, emotional regulation, and impulse control. It often includes:
Creating consistent routines
Using visual schedules and checklists
Breaking tasks into manageable steps
Reinforcing positive behaviors
Teaching coping strategies for frustration
Parent training is also a key component. When caregivers learn behavior management strategies, children experience more consistency and support across environments.
2. School-Based Supports
Children with ADHD may benefit from accommodations through a 504 Plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP). These supports can include:
Extended time on tests
Preferential seating
Movement breaks
Chunked assignments
Organizational support
Collaboration between parents, teachers, and mental health providers creates a strong foundation for success.
3. Medication
For some children, medication can significantly improve attention and reduce impulsivity. Stimulant medications are commonly prescribed and are considered safe and effective when monitored by a medical professional. Non-stimulant options are also available.
Medication is not a “cure,” but it can create enough mental clarity for children to better use the skills they’re learning in therapy.
4. Lifestyle Supports
Healthy sleep, regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and structured routines all play a critical role in managing ADHD symptoms. Exercise, in particular, can help regulate mood and improve focus.
Helping Children Feel Confident
Perhaps the most important goal of ADHD treatment is not simply improved behavior - it’s improved confidence. When children learn how their brains work and are given tools to succeed, they begin to see themselves as capable.
Encouraging independence, celebrating effort (not just outcomes), and highlighting strengths help shift the narrative from “problem child” to “resilient learner.”
With understanding, structure, and compassionate support, children with ADHD can multitask their homework, manage responsibilities, and feel proud of their progress - just like the confident child pictured above.
ADHD is not a limitation, it’s a different wiring. And with the right tools, different can be powerful.
-Ciera Canaday, LCSW and Clinical Director