ADHD Facts

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in early childhood and affects both children and adults.

ADHD affects the brain's higher-level thinking (or executive functioning) and can affect attention and the ability to self-regulate behaviour, thoughts and emotions.

The disorder can impact various aspects of daily life, including academic performance, employment, family life and social interactions.

ADHD affects both males and females of all IQ levels (e.g., including those of average functioning, those with other disabilities and additional needs, and those who are academically gifted), and from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. It is estimated that ADHD affects 1 in 20 Australians.1

Source: ADHD Australia

Types of ADHD?

There are three different types of ADHD. According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition), ADHD is categorised based on the predominant traits a person shows. The three main types of ADHD are:

Hyperactive and impulsive type ADHD: This type of ADHD predominantly presents with symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Inattentive type ADHD: This ADHD type mainly presents with symptoms of inattention and distractibility. Inattentive type ADHD is sometimes referred to as ADD.
Combined type ADHD: This is the most prevalent type of ADHD and is characterised by symptoms of inattention and distractibility in addition to hyperactivity and impulsivity.

Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD has a spectrum of symptoms, with severity levels mild, moderate and severe. Symptoms can differ for each person and can present in different ways.

Broadly speaking, symptoms can be divided into three categories: inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Inattention symptoms include:

Difficulty sustaining focus (on tasks or play)
Easily distracted and finds it hard to ignore surroundings
Does not seem to be listening (“away with the fairies”)
Make careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities
Difficulty finishing tasks such as assignments and chores
A history of losing belongings
Most areas of life are disorganized – desk, locker, bedroom
High levels of procrastination and task avoidance
Forgetfulness

Impulsivity symptoms include:

Struggles to inhibit impulses (acts without thinking)
Blurting out answers in school environment
Interrupts or intrudes into conversations
Struggles to wait their turn
Has difficulty staying seated when required

Hyperactivity symptoms include:

Fidgets or taps fingers
Always on the go, has difficulty sitting still
Talks excessively
Sensation seeking – can't resist climbing if there is something to climb etc..

While not everyone with ADHD will experience all of these symptoms, recognising patterns across these categories can help with early identification and support.

Causes of ADHD

The exact cause of ADHD is not fully understood, but it's believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Genetic factors:

Genetics plays the most significant role, as ADHD tends to run in families. Research shows that parents and siblings of a child with ADHD are more likely to have it themselves, suggesting that inherited genes are a major contributing factor.

Perinatal and postnatal factors:

In addition to genetic influence, certain perinatal (around the time of birth) and postnatal (after birth) factors can increase the risk of developing ADHD.

It's important to understand that ADHD affects individuals of all IQ levels and from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.