What Is ADHD?
Common ADHD Symptoms You Need to Know
Understanding ADHD can often feel like navigating a maze of confusion and misconceptions. ADHD is a legitimate medical condition rooted in neurological and genetic factors. It is not caused by poor parenting, laziness, or moral failings. Affecting approximately 8% of children—and often continuing into adulthood—ADHD presents differently from person to person. Some individuals may be primarily inattentive, while others may be more hyperactive or impulsive. Many experience a combination of these traits.
Co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, Autism, and other learning disabilities are also common, making it vital to view ADHD through a comprehensive lens that considers the full spectrum of a person's experience, rather than isolating individual symptoms.
Why Recognizing Symptoms Matters
Early identification can significantly improve outcomes by enabling access to support services, educational accommodations, and strategies that help individuals manage their symptoms effectively. It can also help reduce the stigma often associated with ADHD and foster a more profound understanding within families, schools, and workplaces.
Symptoms of ADHD are not always immediately recognized. A child who daydreams frequently may be dismissed as simply imaginative. An adult who is forgetful and disorganized may be viewed as careless. Understanding the specific characteristics of ADHD allows for a more informed and compassionate response.
ADHD in Children: What to Look For
Symptoms typically emerge between the ages of three and six, though every child is different. However, children with ADHD generally have some of the following inattentive or Hyperactive/Impulsive behavior.
Inattentiveness in children may include:
- Difficulty sustaining attention on tasks or play
- Tends to make careless mistakes
- Appearing not to listen even when spoken to directly
- Trouble following through on instructions or completing homework
- Poor organization
- Forgetfulness and frequently losing things
- Easily distracted
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity may appear as:
- Fidgeting, squirming, or constantly moving
- Running or climbing at inappropriate times
- Difficulty with quieter activities
- Could be described as always "on the go"
- Difficulty waiting or turn-taking
- Interrupts or blurts out answers to questions before they are finished
- Talking excessively or struggling to play quietly
- Acting without considering the consequences
If a child exhibits several of these symptoms, they are likely to have ADHD. These behaviors can impact a child's education, relationships, and self-esteem. Identifying them early is crucial to providing practical support and establishing a solid foundation for success.
Diagnosing ADHD in Adults: What to Look For
ADHD is commonly associated with childhood, but many adults live with the condition without ever having been formally diagnosed. In fact, it's not uncommon for individuals to recognize their symptoms later in life—often prompted by challenges at work, in relationships, or while raising children who are also diagnosed with ADHD. While the core characteristics of ADHD—inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity—remain consistent, how these traits show up in adulthood can differ significantly from their childhood presentation.
For adults, inattentiveness often manifests in subtle but persistent ways. They may:
- Struggle to stay focused during meetings or lengthy conversations
- Frequently misplace everyday items or forget appointments
- Experience chronic difficulty with time management and finishing tasks
Hyperactivity, while prominent in children, often becomes more internalised in adults. Instead of running or climbing, adults may feel:
- A constant sense of mental restlessness or urgency
- Difficulty relaxing or sitting still for extended periods
- A tendency to juggle multiple projects at once—often without completing them
Impulsivity can continue to present significant challenges, especially in environments that require planning and patience. Adults may:
- Interrupt others or speak out of turn, even in professional settings
- Struggle with impulse control when it comes to spending or decision-making
- Find it difficult to delay gratification or wait their turn in social or workplace situations
To be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, symptoms should have been present before the age of 12 (even if they were not identified at the time). They must significantly impact at least two areas of life, such as work, home, or social situations. Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive clinical assessment by a qualified professional, which includes interviews, behavioral questionnaires, and a review of personal and family history.
While adult ADHD can bring real challenges, understanding the condition is the first step toward managing it. With proper diagnosis, personalized strategies, and support—ranging from therapy to workplace adjustments and, in some cases, medication—many adults with ADHD go on to lead highly productive and fulfilling lives.
How ADHD Impacts Daily Life
ADHD can touch every part of an individual's life. In school, children may struggle to meet expectations, even when they're trying their best. In the workplace, adults may feel disorganized or overwhelmed, no matter how much effort they invest.
Beyond academic and professional settings, ADHD can impact relationships. Forgetting essential events, interrupting others, or reacting impulsively may create tension with loved ones. These social difficulties can, in turn, fuel feelings of frustration or low self-worth.
Understanding these challenges is essential for providing the right tools and strategies—from emotional support to environmental accommodations—that empower individuals to succeed.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis usually involves a comprehensive assessment by a medical or psychological professional. This includes a review of the individual's behavior across multiple settings, discussions with family or teachers, and standardized evaluation tools.
Treatment may involve:
- Medication – For many individuals, medication can help alleviate core symptoms.
- Therapy – Behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or parent training programs can help develop coping skills.
- Educational and workplace support – Adjustments like extra time on exams, task management tools, or quiet workspaces can make a significant difference.
- Lifestyle strategies - regular exercise, adequate sleep, mindfulness practices, and structured routines, also support symptom management.
How CalmCare can Help
CalmCare has been developed as a comfortable way to help children and adults stay calm, regulate their bodies, and filter sensory information, making it ideal for individuals with ADHD.
- Compression Clothing - CalmCare compression singlets are a daily essential for supporting individuals with ADHD, recommended by Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Speech Therapists, Parents, Special Needs Schools, Disability Providers, Incontinence Providers, and Early Intervention Organizations.
- Compression Bedding - These sheets offer gentle, breathable compression to help settle the nervous system and reduce nighttime restlessness—without the weight of a traditional blanket. The sensory bedding promotes better sleep and fosters healthier sleeping habits.
Understanding the signs
ADHD is a lifelong condition, but it is also manageable. With the right strategies, individuals with ADHD can thrive in their unique ways—at home, school, work, and in their relationships. Recognising the signs, seeking support, and embracing tailored interventions can transform frustration into confidence and help unlock potential. Let's continue to foster awareness, reduce stigma, and create environments where neurodivergent individuals are understood, supported, and celebrated.
