The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that approximately 9.8% of children between the ages of 3 and 17 in this country have been diagnosed with ADHD, which is about 6.1 million children struggling throughout the world. It is said that 5-7% of children globally have this condition, but awareness, empathy, and appropriate remedies are yet to be provided.

So if you are a parent trying to make sense of all this endless energy from the child or a teacher wondering how to make the student flourish, that's your sign to stop guilt spiralling and start learning what actually matters.

1.  ADHD is a Spectrum, Not a Stereotype

The first thing to be disproved is that ADHD meds are about being hyperactive. The three types of ADHD are:

• Inattentive type (formerly called ADD): Trouble with focus, organisation, and follow-through.
• Hyperactive-impulsive type:  Consider restlessness, impulsive behaviour, and perpetual motion are the classic signs of hyperactivity.
• Combined type: A combination of both.

Most children don't fit the classic picture of the "classroom disrupter." Some are daydreamers who zone out quietly. Others speak impulsively or are "too much" in situations that call for conformity. It's this diversity that's important to understand, because what appears as laziness or disobedience is actually the brain functioning differently and not just a tantrum. These are often misunderstood signs of ADHD that require attention and not judgment.

2.  It's Not Just a "Kid Thing" That Goes Away

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) doesn't expire with time. An estimate of about 60–70% of kids with ADHD carry their symptoms of ADHD with them into adolescence and adulthood. Hyperactivity may slow down for some, but problems with attention, time management, and mood regulation may remain. That means we're thinking long-term about how do we get kids to develop life strategies, not merely survive the school day. Ignoring these symptoms of ADHD or waiting for them to "grow out of it" isn't going to happen in this condition.

3.  Routine is Their Best Friend

Children with ADHD tend to have a hard time with executive functioning, that is, the brain's capacity to plan, prioritise, and be organised is restricted, subsequently affecting routines and visual systems. When spaces are predictable and organised, children with ADHD can take a little bit of a sigh of relief.

Educators can utilise:

• Daily visual schedules
• Clear instructions with breaks
• Minimal distractions in the classroom setup

Parents might attempt:

• Morning and bedtime routines that actually remain consistent
• Calendars, reminders, checklists
• A reward system (for positive reinforcement)

Employ timers for brief time chunks (such as the Pomodoro technique) can enable children to remain focused without becoming overwhelmed. These tools also help counter some of the core ADHD causes related to executive dysfunction and structure.

4.  Punishment Doesn't Work, Understanding Does

That constant tantrum or those incessant interruptions in class are not necessarily a choice. ADHD affects impulse control and emotional regulation, which makes kids more likely to act first and think second. Here's what doesn't work:

• Yelling
• Detentions
• Shame-based discipline

Here's what to do instead:

• Compassionate communication
• Teaching coping skills (such as deep breathing or walk-away tactics)
• Emotional coaching (labelling and validating emotions)

Always keep in mind that discipline isn't about punishing, but about teaching. A misbehaving child is usually an overwhelmed or misunderstood child showing early signs of ADHD or signs of hyperactivity. Recognising these as symptoms, not attitudes, is key.

5.  Medication Isn't a Magic Fix (But It Can Help)

Medications such as stimulants are usually prescribed as part of an ADHD treatment. But let's be real, these medications are tools, and not cures. It has also been estimated that 70–80% of kids with ADHD might experience more manageable symptoms of ADHD with medication, but it is not like one medication fits all, and side effects might occur. What actually works is a multi-pronged treatment:

• Medication (when necessary)
• Behavioral therapy
• School accommodations
• Parental, teacher, and therapist support

Specialists from the best psychiatrist hospital in Delhi also suggest that, if a child is on medication, don't forget the therapy and counselling, while assuming that the pill will handle it, ADHD requires comprehensive, human-based care. While medication can help manage ADHD causes, it’s the environment and support that help children thrive.

Common Symptoms of ADHD

●     Inattention (more prominent in adults)

1. Trouble focusing during conversations, reading, or work
2. Frequently losing items (keys, phone, wallet)
3. Poor time management and chronic procrastination
4. Difficulty finishing tasks or following through on plans
5. Easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or external stimuli
6. Often forgetting appointments, deadlines, or daily tasks

●     Impulsivity

1. Interrupting conversations or speaking out of turn
2. Difficulty waiting in lines or for one’s turn
3. Making impulsive decisions (e.g., spending money, changing jobs suddenly)
4. Blurting out inappropriate comments
5. Engaging in risky behaviours without thinking of the consequences

●     Hyperactivity (more internal/restless in adults)

1. Feeling restless or unable to relax
2. Talking excessively or racing thoughts
3. Trouble sitting still during meetings or long tasks
4. Constant fidgeting, tapping, or pacing
5. Craving constant stimulation

These are all classic signs of hyperactivity that continue into adulthood.

●     Executive Dysfunction

1. Difficulty setting priorities or organising tasks
2. Frequently starting but not completing projects
3. Inconsistent work performance or missing deadlines
4. Trouble initiating tasks (mental paralysis or “analysis paralysis”)

●     Emotional Dysregulation

1. Mood swings, irritability, or low frustration tolerance
2. Feeling overwhelmed easily
3. Difficulty calming down after an emotional outburst
4. Rejection sensitivity (taking criticism personally or emotionally)

●     Related Life Problems

1. Chronic underachievement relative to potential
2. Job instability or poor academic/work performance
3. Relationship problems due to forgetfulness or impulsivity
4. Low self-esteem or feeling like you’re “always behind”