It's quite common for kids and adolescents to get distracted in class or forget to turn their assignments in on time. This is usually because the prefrontal cortex in their brain is still developing.  The prefrontal cortex is the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, planning, and self-control. It only fully matures by the age of 25.

But how do you know if your teenager is dealing with the typical difficulties of adolescence or if their behaviors are a sign of a learning or neurodevelopmental disorder?

Our easy-to-complete ADHD Symptoms Test can help you better understand your child's behavior and evaluate whether they might be experiencing symptoms of ADHD.

Take our ADHD test here.

This test is preliminary and cannot replace a proper evaluation and diagnosis by a healthcare professional.

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of children worldwide. It can impact a child's ability to:

• Focus
• Control their impulses 
• Regulate their energy levels

ADHD in kids and teens can often lead to challenges in school, relationships, and overall daily functioning.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 6.1 million children in the United States between the ages of 2 and 17 had been diagnosed with ADHD as of September 2021.

The prevalence of ADHD diagnoses has risen from 6.% to 10.2% (from 1997 to 2017), according to National surveys.

What Are the Different Types of ADHD?

ADHD is a complex condition that presents differently in each individual. It is generally categorized into three main subtypes:

1. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Children with this subtype often

• Find it challenging to remember homework assignments. 
• Have trouble keeping school materials organized. 
• Avoid tasks that need prolonged concentration, like studying. 
• Frequently misplace belongings like phones or schoolwork.

*This subtype was previously called Attentive Deficit Disorder (ADD)

2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: Children with this subtype often

• Have high energy levels and can't sit still for long. 
• Make quick decisions without thinking them through. 
• Frequently taps fingers or feet when sitting. 
• Talk excessively.
• Find it hard to wait for their turn or listen without interrupting.

3. Combined Presentation: Children with this subtype often exhibit a combination of inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive behaviors.

*This is the most common type of ADHD.

Understanding Your ADHD Test Results

Our ADHD symptom-checker is a preliminary survey and cannot substitute a thorough assessment and diagnosis by a healthcare expert.

Should your child exhibit the symptoms across the different categories, it might indicate the possibility of ADHD. However, these symptoms can also be present due to other factors, such as stress, anxiety, or other medical conditions.

A comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, such as a pediatrician, child psychologist, or psychiatrist, is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

How to Support a Child with ADHD

If your child is displaying the symptoms of ADHD, we recommend taking the following steps to support them.

1. Consult a professional: Reach out to a healthcare provider experienced in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. They can conduct a thorough evaluation and provide appropriate guidance for a treatment plan.

2. Prioritize study and life skills: Study and life skills are invaluable to kids with ADHD as they assist with time management, organization, and improved attention. A study skills coach can help equip your child with these skills.

3. Consider an ADHD coach: ADHD and Executive Functioning coaching helps kids develop strategies to overcome their symptoms, develop healthy routines and keep them accountable for their daily tasks. Coaching can serve as a great supplement to an existing treatment plan.

4. Collaborate with teachers: Work with teachers, a school counselor, or a special education team to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a 504 Plan. These plans outline specific accommodations and support services tailored to your child's needs in the classroom.

If you think your child is displaying the symptoms of ADHD, take our ADHD test here.

Sources:

Abdelnour E, Jansen MO, Gold JA. ADHD Diagnostic Trends: Increased Recognition or Overdiagnosis? Missouri Medicine. 2022 Sep-Oct;119(5):467-473. PMID: 36337990; PMCID: PMC9616454.

Xu G, Strathearn L, Liu B, Yang B, Bao W. Twenty-Year Trends in Diagnosed Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Among US Children and Adolescents, 1997-2016. JAMA Netw Open. 2018 Aug 3;1(4):e181471. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.1471. PMID: 30646132; PMCID: PMC6324288.