When Do Signs of ADHD Start?

ADHD traits can appear early in development, often in the toddler or preschool years.
However:

• Some behaviours are developmentally typical
• ADHD is usually identified based on patterns over time, not early behaviour alone

The key is how behaviours compare to other children of the same age and whether they impact daily life.

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Signs of ADHD in Toddlers (1–2 Years)

At this age, all children are naturally active and impulsive, so differences can be subtle.
Possible signs include:

• Extremely high activity levels compared to peers
• Constant movement with little pause
• Very short attention span beyond typical range
• Difficulty engaging with toys for even brief periods
• Limited response to simple instructions
• Impulsive climbing or unsafe behaviours

At this stage, it’s usually about noticing patterns—not jumping to conclusions.

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Signs of ADHD in 3–4 Year Olds

​Differences may become more noticeable during structured activities.
You may see:

• Difficulty sitting during group activities (e.g. daycare, kindy)
• Struggles with simple routines
• Frequent impulsive actions
• Talking excessively or interrupting
• Big emotional reactions or meltdowns
• Difficulty waiting or taking turns

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Signs of ADHD in 5–6 Year Olds (Starting School)

School often highlights attention and regulation challenges.
Common signs:

• Difficulty focusing in class
• Easily distracted
• Trouble following instructions
• Forgetfulness (e.g. losing items)
• Struggles completing tasks
• Restlessness or fidgeting
• Interrupting others

This is often when concerns are first raised by teachers.

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Signs of ADHD in 7–10 Year Olds

As demands increase, challenges may become more noticeable.
You may notice:

• Ongoing difficulty sustaining attention
• Avoidance of tasks requiring effort
• Disorganisation
• Emotional frustration or low tolerance for challenges
• Social difficulties (interrupting, impulsivity)
• Inconsistent performance (can do it sometimes, not others)​ ​

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ADHD in Girls vs Boys

ADHD can present differently:

• Boys often show more hyperactivity and impulsivity
• Girls may appear:
  • More inattentive
  • Quiet or withdrawn
  • Overlooked in classroom settings

​This can lead to ADHD in girls being identified later.

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What’s the Difference Between ADHD and Normal Behaviour?

All children:

• Get distracted
• Have energy
• Struggle with emotions

ADHD may be worth exploring when behaviours are:

• More frequent than expected
• More intense than peers
• Present across multiple settings
• Impacting daily life​

ADHD vs Normal Behaviour in children

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When Should I Be Concerned?

You may want to take the next step if:

• You’ve noticed consistent patterns over time
• Teachers or educators have concerns
• Your child is struggling at school
• Daily routines are difficult to manage​

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What Should I Do Next?

​If you’re noticing signs of ADHD, here’s what you can do:

1. Observe patterns over time
2. Use a structured checklist
3. Speak to your child’s teacher or GP
4. Consider an assessment if needed
5. Start support early

What To Do if you think your child has adhd

ADHD Checklist for children

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Can My Child Get Support Without a Diagnosis?

​Yes.
Support can begin before a diagnosis and may include:

• Occupational Therapy
• Psychology
• Behaviour strategies
• Parent support

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How We Can Support You

At Belong Health, we support children and families across all stages, from early signs through to assessment and ongoing support.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

• Attention and concentration strategies
• Sensory processing and regulation
• Daily routines and organisation
• Emotional regulation support

​Speech Pathology (SP)

• Listening and comprehension skills
• Social communication
• Following instructions
• Language processing support

Counselling

• Emotional regulation and coping
• Anxiety and self-esteem support
• Managing frustration and behaviour
• Supporting older children and adolescents

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

• Understanding behaviour patterns
• Reducing challenging behaviours
• Practical strategies for home and school
• Family and caregiver support

Psychology Assessments

• Comprehensive ADHD assessments
• Cognitive and behavioural profiling
• Diagnostic clarification
• Detailed reports and recommendations

​
Parent Support & Coaching

• Practical, real-world strategies
• Building consistent routines
• Understanding your child’s behaviour
• Ongoing guidance and support

​School Support

• Communication with educators
• Classroom strategies
• Supporting learning environments

Telehealth Across WA

• Access support from anywhere
• Ideal for rural and regional families
• Flexible support options

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Not Sure?
If you’re noticing some of these signs and want guidance on what to do next, we’re here to help.

Book a free 20-minute call with our team
Contact our team to discuss your child and explore support options.
Our team is here to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email here

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Have a question? or need more information

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