If you’re a parent noticing challenging behaviours and wondering about the process of diagnosing ADHD in children, you may be unsure where to start.
This article explains the process of diagnosing ADHD in children, from recognising early behaviours and understanding the assessment process to knowing when to seek help and what support options are available for your family.
Recognising potential signs of ADHD in children
Before formal diagnosis, it helps to observe behaviours over time and across settings. ADHD typically shows up as a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity that is more frequent or severe than what’s expected for the child’s age or developmental level.
What that looks like in everyday life
- Trouble staying focused on tasks, easily distracted or forgetful (home or school).
- Frequently fidgeting, unable to stay seated, excessive talking or interrupting.
- Acting without thinking, difficulty waiting their turn.
- Struggling with organisation, losing things, forgetting tasks.
- The behaviours appear in more than one setting (for example at home and at school or kindy/daycare) and have been present for at least six months.
Why early assessment can make a difference
Benefits of early diagnosis
- Helps children build confidence, emotional regulation, and learning skills that support lifelong wellbeing.
- Enables targeted support and intervention: behavioural strategies at home and school can be introduced earlier.
- Reduces academic, social and emotional difficulties by addressing the challenges sooner.
- Helps parents, teachers and the child understand challenges as differences in regulation or focus, rather than misbehaviour, which can reduce guilt or blame and improve wellbeing.
Considerations of early diagnosis
- The process can involve time, multiple sessions, questionnaires, teacher input and possibly costs (depending on service).
- Some children show behaviours similar to ADHD (especially younger children) but are within the range of normal development. For very young children, hyperactivity/impulsivity may simply reflect developmental stage.
- Diagnosis does not guarantee immediate ‘fix’. support and strategies still need to be applied and maintained. Improvements in challenges can take time.
Diagnosing ADHD in Children: What the Assessment Journey Looks Like
Step 1: Talk with your GP or paediatrician
Your first step is often discussing observations with your child’s GP, who may refer you to a paediatrician, child psychologist or other specialist, such as a child psychiatrist. A referral might follow when behaviours are persistent and causing problems at home/school.
Step 2: Comprehensive assessment
An assessment typically involves:
- Interviews with you (parents/carers) and the child about behaviour, development, history.
- Questionnaires or checklists filled out by parents, teachers for behaviour across settings.
- Possibly cognitive, learning, language, vision/hearing assessments to rule out other issues (e.g., learning disorders, hearing loss).
- Observation of behaviours where relevant, and review of school reports or other records.
Step 3: Applying diagnostic criteria
Clinicians refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria which require:
- At least six symptoms of inattention OR hyperactivity/impulsivity for children (under 17) persist for at least six months and are inappropriate for developmental level.
- Symptoms present in two or more settings (e.g., home & school).
- Several symptoms evident before age 12.
- Clear evidence the symptoms interfere with or reduce the quality of social, academic or behavioural functioning.
- The behaviour cannot be better explained by another condition
It’s important to note that the process is not a single test. Multiple data points are needed for a comprehensive assessment.
Step 4: Feedback & support planning
After assessment the clinician usually shares results with you and offers a plan: behavioural strategies, school-based supports, possible medications (if indicated), and monitoring. The earlier support starts, the better the outcomes.
For official ADHD diagnostic guidelines, see the Australian ADHD Professionals Association.
When should you seek help?
You may consider initiating an assessment if:
- You’ve observed the child struggling consistently with attention, impulsivity or hyperactivity beyond what’s typical for their age.
- These behaviours are causing significant difficulties at school (academics or behaviour) and home (relationships, tasks), not just one setting.
- Teachers report consistent concerns about attention, impulse control, or restlessness that affect classroom engagement or peer relations.
- You or your partner/carer have observed the difficulties for six months or more, despite reasonable strategies put in place.
- There are co-occurring difficulties (learning disorders, mood, sleep problems) — diagnosis may clarify whether ADHD is present or whether another condition is primary.
Support Options After Diagnosing ADHD in Children
Behavioural & educational strategies
Once ADHD is diagnosed (or even while assessment is ongoing), there are many evidence-based supports: behavioural therapies, parent and teacher training, classroom accommodations (extra time, seating arrangements) and structured routines at home.
Medication & specialist input
In some cases, medication (stimulant or non-stimulant) may be recommended by a paediatrician or child psychiatrist. This decision depends on severity, age, and comorbidities. Support from specialists ensures safe monitoring.
Ongoing monitoring & review
ADHD is a lifelong condition, though its presentation may change over time. Regular review by a clinician means strategies are adapted as the child grows, moves into adolescence and adulthood.
Final thoughts for parents
Diagnosing ADHD in children is a significant decision. It’s one that involves careful assessment, observation and collaboration with specialists, schools and home. Early diagnosis and support can set a child up for greater success, but it is also important to approach the journey informed: knowing what you’re watching for, when to act, and what support may follow.
When parents understand their child’s ADHD, it opens the door to empathy, tailored support, and stronger family connections.
At Hively, we recognise the complexity of this pathway, and support families through the assessment process. ADHD Assessment, and support in understanding your child’s strengths and challenges can be part of a positive plan for their future.
Contact Hively for more information or to book in for an ADHD Assessment.
