Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children

A child with ADHD may:

• Have trouble paying attention
• Have trouble sitting still or playing quietly
• Have trouble following directions
• Have trouble with routines
• Fidget and squirm a lot
• Have trouble finishing tasks
• Interrupt often
• Talk a lot or speak at the wrong time

• Make an appointment with your child’s healthcare provider for a checkup.
• Talk with people at your child’s school. Teachers, aides, nurses, counselors, and other staff can tell you how your child acts during the school day.
• Tell the healthcare provider what you see at home and what staff see at school. This can help the provider understand your child’s behavior and decide if your child has ADHD. Knowing how your child behaves in class, how well they listen, and how they follow directions will help your provider make the right diagnosis.

ADHD may be treated with medication, behavior therapy, or both. Your child’s healthcare provider can help you choose the best treatment.

ADHD is a long-term condition. Your child may need ongoing care to help manage symptoms. It may take time to find what works best. Treatment may need to change over time.

If your child’s healthcare provider prescribes medication, it is important to give it as directed. Stopping and starting medication can make it harder for your child to do better.

Your child may need to take medication for a while so the healthcare provider can see how well it works. Your provider may tell you to keep using the medication or make changes, such as changing the dose, based on how well it is working.

During this time, it’s especially important to keep follow-up visits so the healthcare provider can see how your child is doing.

To learn more about ADHD medications, see the ADHD Medications Tip Sheet.

During the first three months: Your child may need visits every two to four weeks.

For ongoing care: Follow-up visits are often every one to three months.

• Pay attention to your child’s behavior each day and write down any changes.
• Give medication at the same time each day.
• Talk with teachers about how your child is doing at school.
• Tell your child’s healthcare provider if your child has side effects, such as less appetite, trouble sleeping, a fast heartbeat, or mood changes.
• Schedule your child’s next visit before you leave the office, and keep all follow-up visits.

• How does this medication work?
• What changes should I expect to see?
• What side effects should I watch for?
• How often should we schedule follow‑up visits?