Does my child have ADHD?

A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Attention in Kids

As a parent, it’s natural to wonder whether your child’s behavior is typical or something that needs closer attention. If you’ve ever found yourself repeating instructions multiple times, watching your child drift off mid-conversation, or hearing from teachers that your child is “easily distracted,” you might be wondering: Could this be ADHD? Or is it just part of being a kid?

What’s Normal (and Frustrating!) About Childhood Attention

All children can be forgetful, impulsive, or daydreamy at times — especially during periods of stress, transition, or boredom. Young brains are still developing executive functioning skills, which include things like planning, focus, memory, and self-control. Some common examples of age-appropriate inattentiveness might include:

• Forgetting homework or lunch occasionally

• Struggling to stay focused during long tasks (like chores or homework)

• Getting lost in imaginative play or daydreaming

• Making “careless” mistakes due to rushing

• Tuning out during things they find boring or repetitive

These behaviors are typically short-lived, inconsistent, and improve with structure, reminders, or maturity.

When It Might Be More Than Typical Behaviour

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) — particularly the inattentive type — can sometimes be overlooked because it doesn't always involve hyperactivity. Kids with inattentive ADHD may seem quiet, dreamy, or spaced out rather than disruptive. Signs that might suggest the need for an assessment include:

• Persistent difficulties across multiple settings (e.g., school, home, extracurriculars)

• Trouble following through on tasks, even ones they are interested in

• Frequent forgetfulness, like losing things, missing instructions, or skipping steps

• Difficulty organizing time, tasks, or materials

• Easily distracted by small noises, background movement, or their own thoughts

• Low frustration tolerance or emotional dysregulation

• Struggling academically, even when they seem capable

  
  

If these challenges are ongoing (lasting more than 6 months), are significantly interfering with daily life, and seem out of step with what’s expected for their age, it may be time to consider a professional assessment.

Why an Assessment Can Help

Getting your child assessed doesn’t mean you’re rushing to a diagnosis. It’s about understanding what’s going on beneath the surface. A psycho-educational assessment can:

• Clarify whether ADHD is present

• Rule out other concerns like learning disorders, anxiety, language processing issues or sensory processing difficulties

• Offer tailored strategies and support for home and school

• Help you advocate for your child’s needs more effectively

  
  

Supporting Attention at Home (Regardless of Diagnosis)

Whether your child has ADHD or not, there are strategies that can support better focus and attention:

• Use visual schedules or checklists (see our website for free editable ones)

• Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps

• Provide consistent routines and gentle reminders

• Offer regular breaks during homework

• Minimize distractions in their work environment

• Celebrate effort and progress, not just outcomes

  
  

Final Thoughts

Every child has their own rhythm of growth, and some degree of distraction is perfectly normal. But if you’re seeing consistent patterns that affect your child’s confidence, relationships, or ability to thrive, it may be time to have a discussion with a psychologist about investigating if there is more to the story and investigating ADHD.

If you're wondering whether an ADHD assessment might be helpful for your child, we're here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation or learn more about our child psychological assessment services.