Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurobehavioral conditions diagnosed in childhood. Yet many parents struggle to distinguish between typical childhood energy and the signs that something more may be going on.
Children with ADHD often show a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity that interferes with their daily functioning at home, school, and in social settings. These patterns typically appear before age 12 and are present across multiple environments — not just at school or just at home.
While every child is different, there are some hallmark signs that may indicate ADHD. Inattentive signs include difficulty sustaining focus on tasks, frequently losing things, appearing not to listen when spoken to directly, and struggling to follow through on instructions or homework.
Hyperactive-impulsive signs may include constant fidgeting, difficulty staying seated, excessive talking, blurting out answers, and difficulty waiting their turn. Some children present primarily with inattention (previously called ADD), while others show more hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, and many show a combination of both.
If you suspect your child may have ADHD, comprehensive psychological testing is the gold standard for diagnosis. At KPLA, our testing process involves multiple components: standardized rating scales completed by parents and teachers, cognitive and academic assessments, behavioral observations, and a thorough developmental history.
Testing typically takes several hours spread across one or two sessions. The goal is not just to determine whether ADHD is present, but to understand your child's unique profile of strengths and challenges. This helps us develop targeted recommendations for support at home and school.
A diagnosis is not a label — it is a roadmap. Once we understand your child's specific needs, we can recommend a combination of strategies: behavioral interventions, school accommodations (like a 504 plan or IEP), therapy to build executive functioning skills, and in some cases, a referral for medication evaluation.
The most important thing to remember is that ADHD is highly manageable with the right support. Children with ADHD have incredible strengths — creativity, energy, out-of-the-box thinking — and with proper understanding and tools, they can thrive.
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