What Is ADHD?

​Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a child:

• Pays attention
• Controls impulses
• Regulates energy levels

It’s not about “bad behaviour” or poor parenting. It’s about how the brain processes information and responds to the world.

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What Are the Early Signs of ADHD?

Children with ADHD often show patterns across three main areas:

1. Inattention

• Easily distracted
• Difficulty finishing tasks
• Doesn’t seem to listen
• Trouble following instructions

​2. Hyperactivity

• Constant movement
• Fidgeting or squirming
• Difficulty sitting still
• Always “on the go”

3. Impulsivity

• Interrupting others
• Acting without thinking
• Struggling to wait their turn
• Emotional outbursts

​Every child shows some of these behaviours at times. The key difference is how often they happen and how much they impact daily life.

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Is This ADHD or Just Normal Behaviour?

This is one of the most common questions parents ask.

Young children are naturally energetic, emotional, and still learning how to regulate themselves. However, ADHD may be worth exploring when:

• The behaviours are more frequent or intense than other children of the same age
• They are present across multiple settings (home, school, social)
• They are impacting learning, relationships, or daily routines

We’ve created a detailed guide comparing ADHD and typical behaviour here:

ADHD vs Normal Behaviour in children

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Signs of ADHD by Age

ADHD can look different depending on your child’s age.

Toddlers (1–3 years)

• Very high activity levels
• Difficulty with simple instructions
• Short attention span beyond typical range

Preschool (3–5 years)

• Struggles with structured activities
• Frequent impulsive behaviours
• Big emotional reactions

School Age (5–10 years)

• Difficulty focusing in class
• Forgetfulness and disorganisation
• Trouble completing tasks
• Challenges with friendships

For a full breakdown by age, see our guide:

Early Signs of ADHD by Age (1–10 Years)

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How Is ADHD Different in Girls vs Boys?

ADHD can present differently:

• Boys often show more hyperactivity and impulsivity
• Girls may appear more inattentive, quiet, or overlooked

This means ADHD in girls is sometimes missed or identified later.

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Can My Child Still Focus Sometimes and Have ADHD?

Yes.
Many children with ADHD:

• Can focus on things they enjoy
• May sit still for screens or preferred activities

This does not rule out ADHD

​The difficulty is usually with:

• Sustained attention
• Non-preferred tasks
• Transitions and structure

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What Should I Do If I Think My Child Has ADHD?

Here’s a simple step-by-step approach:

Step 1: Observe Patterns
​Take note of behaviours across:

• Home
• School
• Social settings

Step 2: Use a Checklist
A structured checklist can help identify patterns more clearly.

ADHD Checklist for children

Step 3: Speak to a Professional
You can:

• Talk to your GP
• Speak with your child’s teacher
• Consult an allied health professional

Step 4: Consider an Assessment
An assessment may help clarify:

• Whether your child meets criteria for ADHD
• What supports may help

ADHD Assessment

Step 5: Start Support Early
Support can begin before or without a diagnosis, including:

• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Pathology
  
• Psychology Assessments
• Positive Behaviour Supports
• Counselling

ADHD Support For Children

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Do I Need a Diagnosis to Get Help?

​Not always.
Many children benefit from support strategies even without a formal diagnosis. Early support can help with:

• Emotional regulation
• Attention skills
• Daily routines
• Family stress

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When Should I Seek Help?

​You may want to seek support if:

• You feel consistently concerned
• Your child is struggling at school
• Behaviour is affecting family life
• You’re unsure what to do next

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How We Can Support You

At Belong Health, we support children and families at every stage, whether you’re just starting to ask questions or already exploring assessment options.

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 It’s the Right Time?
If you’re unsure where to start, our team can help guide you through your next steps.

Book a free 20-minute call with our team
Contact us to discuss your concerns or 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

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us a message

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Phone: 08 9586 3934

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