Noticing that your child seems a little more distracted, fidgety, or impulsive than their peers? You’re not alone. Many parents start wondering about ADHD when everyday behaviours begin to feel like more than just typical childhood energy. This post explores the signs of ADHD in children, focusing on what parents usually observe first, not as clinicians, but as loving, concerned caregivers.

Here in South London, at ASD Child Ltd, we work with families across East Dulwich, Ealing, and beyond to help them understand these patterns and decide if it’s time to take the next step. This blog is not a diagnosis tool, but a helpful, relatable guide based on what families commonly share with us.

Let’s start by clearing something up: ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) isn’t just about being hyper or “not listening.”

It’s a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a child pays attention, regulates impulses, and manages energy. ADHD exists on a wide spectrum. Some children bounce around constantly. Others sit quietly but drift off in their thoughts. You might see a whirlwind of energy or a gentle child who struggles to get through tasks.

ADHD has three main types:

• Predominantly Inattentive (often missed, especially in girls)
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive
• Combined Type

Did you know? Girls with ADHD are more likely to go undiagnosed because they’re less disruptive. Instead, they may seem dreamy, anxious, or overly chatty behaviours that don’t always raise red flags.

Not every child who daydreams or wiggles has ADHD. But if the behaviours are frequent, intense, or affecting daily life, they might be worth a closer look.

1. Constant Movement or Restlessness

• Always fidgeting, wriggling, or bouncing
• Climbs, spins, or moves non-stop, even in quiet settings
• Struggles to stay seated during meals, reading, or screen time

2. Easily Distracted

• Quickly switches focus from one toy or task to another
• Forgets what they were doing mid-activity
• Often misplaces items, even ones just in hand

3. Difficulty Following Instructions

• Starts chores or homework but rarely finishes without prompting
• Struggles with anything that has more than two steps
• Constant reminders needed for everyday tasks

4. Impulsive Behaviour

• Interrupts conversations or blurts things out unexpectedly
• Makes risky choices (running into the road, grabbing sharp items)
• May struggle with personal space or emotional boundaries

5. Big Emotions and Fast Mood Swings

• Meltdowns that seem to come from nowhere
• Overwhelmed by changes in routine or unexpected events
• Finds it hard to express feelings calmly or clearly

Observation from our work in South London: Many parents begin to notice ADHD-related behaviours during moments like school transitions or playdates. It’s not always about high energy, but more about how intense or unexpected those behaviours can be.

Some children hold it together at school but explode at home. Others struggle in both settings. ADHD signs often show up where there’s a demand for focus, patience, or quiet.

At school:

• Daydreaming or zoning out in lessons
• Fidgeting with everything in sight
• Trouble staying seated or following class rules

At home:

• Struggles with routine (e.g., bedtime, morning prep)
• Hyper talkative, always moving, emotional outbursts
• Needs constant redirection to complete basic tasks

Key point: Consistency across environments is a helpful indicator, but some kids mask symptoms at school and unravel once home.

• ADHD is not caused by sugar or bad parenting
• ADHD is not something children just grow out of
• ADHD is not an excuse for bad behaviour

In fact, many children with ADHD are bright, imaginative, and full of potential. The challenge isn’t who they are, it’s the support they need to thrive in environments that aren’t always designed for them.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and you’re not without options.

• Speak to your child’s school SENCo or your GP
• Explore our ADHD Assessment page to understand the process
• Talk to other parents, support groups, or ADHD organisations

You can also browse our Resource Hub for post-diagnosis support and helpful guides.

If your gut says something’s different, it’s okay to trust it. Parents are often the first to notice, even before teachers or doctors.

ADHD isn’t about labelling your child. It’s about unlocking support, building strategies, and nurturing their amazing potential.

From Dulwich to Ealing, we’re here to listen, not rush. To explain, not judge. Whether it’s a first question or your tenth Google search, ASD Child Ltd is here to help.

Learn more on our ADHD Assessment page, or reach out to us for a friendly, no-pressure conversation.

Supporting your child after an autism diagnosis is a journey, not a sprint. But with the right help, every step becomes clearer. Book a consultation with ASD Child Ltd to explore tailored autism support for your family.

Call 07878 573131 or email info@asdchild.co.uk