How easy is it to identify ADHD?

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder. ADHD is often diagnosed in early childhood and is characterised by an inability to focus, forgetfulness, hyperactivity, and often an inability to get along with peer groups.

While it may seem easy enough to identify, the reality is that ADHD can be quite tricky to identify.

The symptoms are so broad that many normal behaviour can easily be misidentified as behaviour consistent with ADHD. As a result, parents and educators are left having to deal with unfair misconception and misinformation that could potentially negatively affect the child’s development and the kind of help that they may require.

One of the most common misconception is that people with ADHD are just lazy. It presumes people with ADHD just need to focus and be less lazy and more motivated. The reality is that people with ADHD have to work harder and put in more effort due to their condition. It’s a daily struggle to sit still, pay attention, and focus. They are any but lazy.

Children with ADHD usually display signs very early on in their childhood, with symptoms that range from:

• Hyperactivity and restlessness
• Extreme impulsivity
• Inability to focus or listen
• Poor attention span

Each of the symptoms are broad enough that anything can be seen as evidence of ADHD.

Other symptoms include:

• Inability dealing with stress
• Impulsiveness
• Inability to multitask
• Disorganisation
• Inattentiveness
• Lack of ability to focus
• Restlessness
• Unstable moods
• Inability to plan for the immediate, short, and long term