What is ADHD? – A guide to understanding your child’s diagnosis

What is ADHD? Have you recently come across this term, or are you exploring what it means for your child? Whether you’re learning about it for the first time or already familiar with some aspects, this factsheet provides valuable insights into ADHD, including common signs, possible causes, supportive therapies, and ways to nurture your child’s well-being.

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a child focuses, regulates impulses, and manages activity levels. Children with ADHD often experience differences in how they process information, approach tasks, and engage with their surroundings. These differences can influence their learning, emotional regulation, and social interactions. ADHD is not a behavioral problem but a difference in brain wiring that impacts executive functioning skills like attention, impulse control, and organization.

Diagnosis of ADHD

Since there is no single test to diagnose ADHD, the evaluation process involves gathering information from multiple sources to understand the child’s developmental history, behavior patterns, and overall functioning. A comprehensive evaluation is typically conducted by a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, or psychiatrist.

Steps Involved in ADHD Diagnosis

1. Detailed Medical and Developmental History
   • A thorough review of the child’s birth history, developmental milestones, family history, and any relevant medical information.
   • Understanding the child’s learning style, social behavior, and emotional responses in different environments.
2. Behavioral Observations
   • Gathering insights from parents, teachers, and caregivers about how the child behaves at home, school, and in social settings.
   • Assessing how the child responds to various situations, including structured and unstructured environments.
3. Standardized Rating Scales and Questionnaires
   • Tools such as the Conners Rating Scale, Vanderbilt Assessment Scale, and other standardized questionnaires help measure traits related to attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
   • These tools provide a structured way to assess patterns of behavior across different environments.
4. Clinical Interviews and Interaction
   • One-on-one sessions with the child help professionals observe behavior, assess social interaction, and identify any signs consistent with ADHD.
   • Professionals often use age-appropriate tasks to assess attention span, impulse control, and cognitive flexibility.
5. Ruling Out Other Conditions
   • Since ADHD traits can sometimes overlap with conditions such as anxiety, learning differences, sensory processing differences, or autism, professionals carefully evaluate all contributing factors.
   • A differential diagnosis ensures that the child receives the right support and interventions.

Related Article: Understanding ADHD and ways to spot signs

Why a Comprehensive Diagnosis is Important

ADHD traits can vary widely between children, and no single set of signs defines the condition. A thorough evaluation helps identify the child’s unique strengths, challenges, and areas where support may be needed. Early and accurate diagnosis allows families, educators, and therapists to implement strategies that empower the child to thrive.

• Individualized Understanding: ADHD traits differ for each child, making a detailed evaluation essential to identify unique strengths and areas needing support.
• Avoids Misdiagnosis: Since ADHD can overlap with conditions like anxiety, learning differences, or sensory preferences, a thorough assessment prevents misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments.
• Informed Decision-Making: Accurate diagnosis helps families and educators implement targeted strategies, therapies, and accommodations to support the child effectively.
• Improved Academic and Social Outcomes: Early identification allows for interventions that help children build self-regulation, emotional resilience, and stronger social connections.
• Supports Educators and Therapists: A clear diagnosis equips professionals to tailor learning plans and behavior strategies, fostering growth and reducing frustration.
• Empowers Families: Understanding the child’s needs enables parents to collaborate with schools and therapists, advocating for appropriate accommodations and creating a nurturing environment.
• Boosts Confidence and Life Skills: Early support helps children develop a positive relationship with learning, enhancing their confidence and overall well-being.

Post-Diagnosis Support

Once a diagnosis is made, families can explore a range of supportive interventions, including:

• Behaviour Therapy: Helps children develop coping skills, manage impulses, and build social connections.
• Parent Training and Support: Equips caregivers with tools to create a nurturing and structured environment at home.
• Classroom Accommodations: Tailored strategies to support focus, task completion, and emotional regulation in school settings.
• Medication (if necessary): In some cases, medication may be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

When families, educators, and therapists work together in sync, they create a supportive environment that nurtures the child’s growth and development. Consistent communication ensures that everyone understands the child’s unique strengths and needs, allowing for coordinated strategies across home, school, and therapy settings. This unified approach helps the child feel secure, reduces confusion, and reinforces positive learning and behavior patterns. As a result, the child gains confidence, develops essential life skills, and navigates challenges more effectively, fostering overall well-being. You can also explore expert videos by Dr. Harini Atturu about ADHD in Telugu for additional guidance.

Remember, with good management practices and family involvement, children diagnosed with ADHD can lead a happy and good life. Additionally, you can also see these videos by Dr Harini Atturu about ADHD in Telugu.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: We extend our gratitude to Consultant Developmental Pediatrician, Dr. Sana Smriti, for her expert guidance in shaping this information. Special thanks to our volunteer, Ms. Sailaja Tadimeti, for translating this content from English to Telugu.

NOTE: Every child is unique, and signs of ADHD can look different for each individual. No child will experience all traits listed. However, if you notice multiple characteristics aligning with your child’s experiences, seeking a professional assessment can provide clarity and guidance.

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other developmental differences, the Nayi Disha team is here to help. Contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996 via call or WhatsApp. Our counselors provide support in English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.

DISCLAIMER: This factsheet is for informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified health professional for personalized support.