In children, ADHD often manifests as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and with difficulty staying focused. Kids may squirm in their seats, struggle to wait their turn, and have an insatiable curiosity that leads them to explore everything in their path.

Their energy is infectious and their enthusiasm boundless, making every day an adventure! 

These characteristics are also often associated with ‘naughty little boys’ and so, girls are often overlooked and underdiagnosed. We talk more about the differences that ADHD presents itself in girls and boys here.

We’ve seen that as the years go by, ADHD undergoes a transformation, resulting in a more discreet mask in adults. Hyperactivity tends to decrease, but challenges with attention, organisation, and time management are still there.

Adults with ADHD may still struggle with maintaining focus, meeting deadlines, and staying organised. You might also be prone to forgetfulness, procrastination, and feeling overwhelmed. Some of these symptoms also overlap with anxiety which we explore here.

In the classroom, ADHD often reveals itself as disruptive, with children finding it difficult to sit still and concentrate. They may blurt out answers or have trouble following instructions. In adulthood, the challenges still exist, but they just present themselves in a different way.

Adults with ADHD may struggle with staying engaged during long meetings, managing deadlines, and maintaining consistent productivity. Understanding these similar presentations can help tailor support and strategies from educational to professional settings.

Did you know that ADHD can run in families?

Research suggests that if a parent has ADHD, their child is more likely to inherit the condition. But just remember, it's not a guarantee! Just because a parent has ADHD doesn't mean you'll automatically get it too. Genetics is a complex puzzle, with multiple genes and environmental factors at play.

Think of it as a recipe for ADHD. Each gene is like an ingredient, and if you have the right combination of these genetic ingredients, it can increase the likelihood of developing ADHD. However, environmental factors such as prenatal exposures and early childhood experiences can also influence the expression of ADHD. We break down what ADHD actually is and factors that can play a part here.

We find it really fascinating to see how ADHD can run in families, and often find that some of the parents we speak to later discover they have ADHD after their child has been on our Zing Program!

So, if you find ADHD in your family tree, embrace the adventure, and remember that with understanding, support, and the right strategies, you can navigate the twists and turns with resilience and a little help from us.

We’d love to talk to you about how Zing can help you better understand you or your child’s ADHD.