Can a Paediatrician Diagnose ADHD?
Understand how a paediatrician assesses ADHD, when to seek testing, and what support is needed after a diagnosis.
Written by: Dr Vivek Akkera, Paediatrician, MBBS, MD, FRACP
Published: 31 December 2025
Summary
- ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control, and activity levels. Symptoms can look different from child to child.
- It is influenced by genetics and brain development, and is not caused by parenting style, sugar, or screen time.
- Paediatricians diagnose ADHD by assessing a child’s behaviours, developmental history, and functioning across home, school, and other environments.
- You should consider seeing a paediatrician if ongoing attention, behaviour, or organisational difficulties are affecting your child’s daily life, learning, or wellbeing.
- ADHD support is tailored to each child and may include behavioural strategies, therapy, school support, and sometimes medication.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your child’s development, behaviour, or learning, speak with a paediatrician or a qualified healthcare professional.
What is ADHD?
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a child’s brain manages attention, impulses, and activity levels. It’s not a sign of low intelligence, poor parenting, or lack of discipline. ADHD simply means that certain brain pathways develop and function differently, which can make it harder for children to stay focused or control their responses in the moment.
Not all children with ADHD look the same. Some are constantly on the move, while others seem quiet and distracted. Symptoms often become more noticeable when children start school and are expected to follow routines, concentrate for longer periods, or manage their behaviour independently. It’s a real condition with a neurological basis.
What Causes ADHD?
ADHD has no single cause. Research shows it’s largely influenced by genetics; if a parent or close relative has ADHD, there’s a higher chance their child might too. Brain structure and the way certain chemicals work in the brain also play a role in how attention and impulse control develop.
Environmental factors during pregnancy, such as exposure to tobacco or alcohol, may contribute in some cases, but these don’t cause ADHD on their own. What’s important to understand is that ADHD is not caused by too much screen time, sugar, or inconsistent parenting. These may influence behaviour in the short term, but they don’t create the condition itself. Parents should not feel responsible for their child’s ADHD.
Common Symptoms of ADHD in Children
ADHD presents differently depending on the type: Predominantly Inattentive, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined. Symptoms vary depending on the child’s age, personality, and environment. What stands out in one child may be subtle in another, and behaviours can change as children grow.
Predominantly Inattentive
- Difficulty finishing tasks or following instructions
- Easily distracted by sounds, movement, or their own thoughts
- Frequently losing things like homework, toys, or school books
- Avoiding activities that require sustained concentration
- Appearing forgetful or daydreaming often
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive
- Constantly moving, fidgeting, or struggling to sit still
- Interrupting conversations or answering before questions are finished
- Difficulty waiting their turn in games or group activities
- Talking excessively or acting without thinking through consequences
- Climbing or running in situations where it's not appropriate
Combined
- Shows a mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms
- May struggle with focus and organisation as well as impulse control
- Symptoms appear across different settings and affect daily life
Note: It’s important to remember that all children can be inattentive, impulsive, or energetic at times. These behaviours only point to ADHD when they’re persistent, occur across different settings, and affect learning, relationships, or wellbeing. Other conditions, developmental stages, or stressors can also cause similar patterns.
Can a Paediatrician Diagnose ADHD?
Yes, paediatricians are trained to assess and diagnose ADHD in children. They do this by gathering detailed information from multiple sources, parents, teachers, and sometimes the child themselves, to understand how symptoms appear across different environments and over time.
A paediatrician will ask about your child’s developmental history, current behaviours, family background, and any concerns raised at school. They may use standardised questionnaires or rating scales to help structure the assessment. In some cases, they’ll also rule out other conditions that can look similar to ADHD, such as anxiety, learning difficulties, or sleep problems.
Depending on the situation, a paediatrician may work with a psychologist, occupational therapist, or other allied health professional to build a fuller picture. A diagnosis isn’t made in a single visit, and the goal is always to understand your child’s needs clearly so the right support can be put in place.
When Should You See a Paediatrician About ADHD?
You don’t need to wait until things feel overwhelming to seek an assessment. Consider speaking to a paediatrician if:
- Concerns about attention, behaviour, or organisation are showing up both at home and at school
- Your child seems to struggle more than their peers with focus, impulse control, or staying organised
- Difficulties are affecting your child's confidence, friendships, or ability to keep up academically
- Behaviours are persistent and don't seem to improve with time or typical parenting strategies
- Teachers or other caregivers have raised concerns about your child's attention or behaviour
- You're unsure whether what you're seeing is part of normal development or something more
Paediatricians are used to these discussions and approach them without judgment. Asking the question doesn’t mean something is wrong; it means you’re paying attention to your child’s wellbeing and want to understand how best to support them.
ADHD Treatment and Support
There’s no single treatment that works for every child with ADHD. Support is tailored to each child’s age, symptoms, and individual circumstances, and it usually involves a combination of approaches.
Behavioural strategies are often the first step, with changes at home or school to support structure, consistency, and clear expectations. Occupational therapy, speech therapy, or psychology sessions can help children develop skills in areas like organisation, emotional regulation, and social interaction. Medication is sometimes recommended, but it’s carefully monitored and adjusted over time.
As they grow, their needs will change, and so will the strategies that work best. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Paediatricians, teachers, therapists, and other parents can all be part of your child’s support network.
Paediatrician, MBBS, MD, FRACP
Dr Vivek Akkera is a Consultant General Paediatrician and Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP), with over 16 years of clinical experience in paediatric care across India, the United Kingdom, and Australia. He has worked extensively within the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, managing a broad range of general paediatric, neonatal, and developmental presentations. Dr Akkera has a particular clinical interest in neonatology, developmental and behavioural paediatrics, and autism assessment, and holds specialised training in ADOS-2. His practice focuses on evidence-based care tailored to the individual needs of children and families.