What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Kids?

Social media has been flooded with videos about ADHD. Many people use the term “ADHD” casually whenever someone struggles to focus. But what is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,
especially for kids?

How do we know when a child might have it, and what’s the best way to support them? Today,
we’ll explore these important questions and learn more about ADHD in children.

Unpacking ADHD in Childhood

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children is a condition that affects how they pay attention, control their actions, and deal with being overly active. It’s not just about being easily distracted or having a lot of energy; it’s a consistent pattern of these behaviours that can make everyday life and personal growth challenging.

Let’s look at this from two different perspectives:

1. The Behavioral Lens

From a purely behavioural standpoint, without brain recovery exercises, ADHD in children manifests as ongoing difficulties in three key areas:

• Inattention
• Hyperactivity
• Impulsivity

These persistent behaviours occur in multiple settings (like home and school).

2. The Neurodevelopmental Perspective

Studies indicate that certain parts of the brain that help with managing tasks, like paying attention, remembering things, and controlling impulses, may not work the same way in kids with ADHD.
This difference can make it much harder for them to focus, resist distractions, and stay calm.