ADHD in Children
What Is ADHD in Children
Understanding ADHD in Children
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect a child’s attention, activity level and impulse control. These differences can make everyday tasks at home, school and in social settings more difficult.
Children with ADHD are not simply being naughty or choosing not to listen. They may need more support to manage routines, wait, organise tasks, follow instructions and take part in activities with other children.
Common Signs of ADHD
All children can be active, distracted or impulsive at times. With ADHD, the pattern is persistent, affects daily life and is seen in more than one setting.
Possible signs include:
• Finding it difficult to stay focused on tasks or play
• Being easily distracted
• Often losing items or forgetting instructions
• Finding it difficult to organise or complete tasks
• Fidgeting, moving or talking more than expected for the situation
• Finding it difficult to wait or take turns
• Acting before thinking about the outcome
• Interrupting conversations or activities
• Experiencing difficulties at home, school or with friends
A child does not need to show every sign. Some children mainly have difficulty with attention, some mainly show hyperactive and impulsive behaviour, and others show a combination.
How ADHD Is Assessed
There is no single test for ADHD. A qualified healthcare professional will consider the child’s development, health and behaviour, including information from parents, teachers or other adults who know the child well.
The assessment will look at whether the difficulties have been present over time, appear in more than one setting and affect the child’s everyday functioning. The professional may also consider other factors that can cause similar difficulties, such as sleep problems, anxiety, learning needs, autism, hearing or vision concerns.
TLC provides developmental and behavioural support. We do not provide a medical diagnosis of ADHD.
How TLC Group Services Can Help
Skills children may practise in a structured group setting
Following Routines and Attention
Practise following group instructions, managing routines and staying engaged in an activity.
Communication and Social Play
Learn to communicate needs appropriately and join play or conversations with other children.
Turn-Taking and Cooperation
Build skills for waiting, sharing, taking turns, social awareness and cooperation.
Transitions and Regulation
Practise moving between activities and using helpful strategies when frustrated or overwhelmed.
What Should Parents Do?
If you are concerned about your child’s attention, activity level or behaviour, these steps may help you understand what to do next.
Helpful next steps:
Notice the pattern
Note when and where the difficulties happen.
Speak with teachers
Ask the child’s teacher or caregiver what they have noticed.
Seek professional advice
Speak with a paediatrician or another qualified healthcare professional.
gather information
Bring any school reports, previous assessments or therapy reports to the appointment.
ask about support
Ask what practical support may help at home and school.
Early support can help families understand the child’s needs and build useful routines without blaming the child.
Starting With an Initial Consultation
Share Your Concerns
We’ll discuss your concerns, your child’s current strengths and needs, and any previous assessments or support.
Understand the Next Step
The TLC team will explain whether group services are suitable and what information or assessment may be needed before your child joins a programme.
Part of a Wider Support Plan
Group support is not a replacement for medical assessment or treatment. It can form part of a wider support plan for the child and family.
Book an Initial Consultation
If you are concerned about your child’s attention, activity level, behaviour or social participation, speak with the TLC team. We can talk through your concerns and explain the next step.
Book an initial consultation with TLC in Bandar Sri Damansara or Petaling Jaya.