HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Overview of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in children
Aroreretini ki ngā tamariki
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental condition. It affects the way a tamaiti (child) behaves and interacts with others.
At least five of every 100 tamariki (children) have ADHD. It's more common in boys than girls. Some girls with ADHD mainly have problems with poor concentration, so they cause less disruption. This means they're less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, or they might not get diagnosed till later.
ADHD symptoms usually improve as your tamaiti gets older. But some tamariki with ADHD will continue to experience some symptoms in adulthood and may need ongoing help.
Causes of ADHD
We do not know the exact cause of ADHD but it's likely to be a combination of factors. These include genetics – tamariki with ADHD are more likely to have a family member with ADHD. ADHD can also be associated with:
- alcohol, smoking or drug exposure in pregnancy
- being born prematurely or having a low birth weight.
There is no good evidence that ADHD is caused by tamariki eating too much sugar or food additives.
Symptoms of ADHD
Tamariki with ADHD have three main areas of difficulties:
- difficulty concentrating or focusing (inattention) – trouble following instructions, moving from one task to another without finishing anything, being forgetful and losing things
- being overly active (hyperactive) – constantly fidgeting, being unable to sit still, talking all the time
- acting without thinking (impulsive) – talking over the top of others, losing control of emotions, having little or no sense of danger.
Tamariki with ADHD may struggle with one of these areas of difficulty or with all three. As tamariki get older, the symptoms can change.
All tamariki (especially younger ones) are like this at times. But tamariki with ADHD are much more likely to act like this than other tamariki their age, both at home and at preschool or school.
Diagnosing ADHD
If you are concerned about your tamaiti, talk to their school teacher and your family doctor. Sometimes teachers may be the first to raise concerns and suggest that you and your tamaiti see your GP.
There is no simple test your doctor can use to tell for certain whether your tamaiti has ADHD.
To diagnose ADHD, your doctor may ask you some questions about how your tamaiti behaves and may physically examine them.
They may ask you and the teacher of your tamaiti to fill in a form rating how your tamaiti behaves in different situations, such as:
- in school and in the playground
- when doing things that need concentration, like reading or playing a board game.
Your doctor will then compare the answers to the symptoms of ADHD.
It's also important to find out whether other problems are causing the behaviour. These could include anxiety, learning difficulties, or hearing difficulties.
Your doctor may arrange a referral to a paediatrician, child psychiatrist or psychologist for further assessment.
Treating ADHD
There is no cure for ADHD, but in most cases, symptoms can be managed.
In preschool tamariki children diagnosed with ADHD, behavioural and parenting strategies are usually effective.
In school-aged tamariki, a mixture of behavioural therapy and medicine works best.
Your tamaiti child may also be able to get extra support through their school. Discuss this with their teacher.
HealthInfo recommends the following videos
- Listening to Families – ADHD questions
A child psychiatrist answers families' questions about ADHD.
- Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada – That is me, I have ADHD!, When my ADHD gets me into trouble and My ADHD at school
A series of animated videos called "Me and my ADHD". The videos aim to help children understand ADHD. There is also a parents' guide to the video series.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- ADHD New Zealand
Information and support for people with ADHD and their whānau (families).
- Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance – SNAP-IV 26 teacher and parent rating form
A form for teachers and parents to complete to help diagnose ADHD in tamariki (children).
- Mental Health Foundation NZ – ADHD in children
More specific information about ADHD.
On the next page: Helping a child with ADHD
Content shared between HealthInfo Canterbury, KidsHealth and Health Navigator NZ as part of a National Health Content Hub collaborative. Last reviewed November 2021.
Review key: HIADH-15144
