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ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
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SERVICES
PSYCHIATRY
ANXIETY
ANXIETY
ANXIETY
ADHD
Understanding
ADHD in Children
Symptoms of
ADHD in Children
ADHD
Physical symptoms
ADHD often shows up physically through restlessness or constant movement. Children may fidget, tap, climb, or find it very hard to stay seated, especially in structured settings like school.
Sleep difficulties are also common - some children struggle to wind down at night or wake frequently. Impulsive behaviour can sometimes lead to frequent bumps or accidents. Many children also experience physical tension from trying to hold in their energy for long periods, especially during the school day.
Emotional & Mental
ADHD affects more than focus—it also impacts emotional regulation. Children with ADHD may feel emotions very intensely and become overwhelmed more easily. Quick mood shifts, frustration, or big reactions to small challenges can be part of this.
Many children experience low confidence after years of being misunderstood or compared to peers. Mentally, ADHD can cause racing thoughts, trouble remembering instructions, or difficulty organising schoolwork. Time can feel “slippery,” making tasks seem either urgent or invisible. Children may also struggle with rejection sensitivity and become upset quickly if they feel criticised.
When to seek an evaluation
It may be time to consider an ADHD assessment if you notice ongoing behaviours that are affecting your child’s daily life, schoolwork, or relationships. This can include difficulty staying focused or completing tasks, restlessness or impulsive behaviour that’s hard to manage, frequent emotional outbursts, or challenges with organization, routines, and transitions.
Teacher concerns about attention or behaviour can also be a sign that further evaluation would be helpful. When these patterns show up across different settings - at home, in school, or during activities - an assessment can provide clarity and guidance, helping you understand your child’s needs and how best to support them.
What is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how someone manages attention, behaviour, and impulse control. It’s one of the most common conditions identified in childhood and can influence how a child learns, plays, and interacts with others.
Children with ADHD may have difficulty staying focused, following instructions, sitting still, or managing impulses. These challenges can affect schoolwork, friendships, routines, and family life. Because ADHD can look different from child to child—and can overlap with other developmental or learning differences—a proper assessment helps families understand what’s really going on and how best to support their child.
Common forms of ADHD in Children
Inattentive ADHD: Children with inattentive-type ADHD often struggle to stay focused, follow multi-step directions, or keep track of belongings. They may appear to be “not listening,” forget what they were asked to do, or become easily distracted, especially during schoolwork or tasks that require sustained attention.
Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD: Children with this type tend to be constantly on the go - fidgeting, climbing, interrupting, or acting without thinking. They often find it hard to sit still in class, wait their turn, or control impulsive behaviour, which can lead to frustration at home and school.
What are the root causes of ADHD?
ADHD doesn’t have a single cause, but research shows it often runs in families—if a parent or sibling has it, a child is more likely to have it too. Other factors, like being born early, having a low birth weight, or certain pregnancy-related challenges, can play a role. ADHD isn’t caused by parenting, diet, or screen time.
It affects children from all backgrounds and often shows up alongside other challenges, like learning differences or anxiety. Knowing this helps families focus on understanding and supporting their child, rather than looking for blame.
ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER
Gold-standard
Evaluation framework
Complementary consultation
Your child’s assessment begins with a detailed consultation by phone, where you can share your concerns and observations. We explore how your child pays attention, manages routines, interacts socially, and responds emotionally.
For many children, participating in an assessment from a familiar environment either at home or in a comfortable clinic setting helps them feel at ease. Being relaxed often allows children to show their natural behaviors, making the assessment more accurate and meaningful.
Clinical Assessment
If initial screening suggests ADHD, we move on to a detailed clinical assessment. Our senior clinicians review medical and family history, explore early development and school experiences, and observe attention, behaviour, and impulse control. Emotional regulation and executive functioning are assessed using DSM-5 criteria and recognised tools, such as Conners, Vanderbilt, or QbCheck where appropriate.
Because ADHD presents differently in every child, we consider age, personality, environment, and any co-occurring conditions like anxiety or learning differences. The aim is to gain a clear, accurate understanding of your child’s strengths, challenges, and needs.
Diagnostic Report and further recommendations
After the assessment, you’ll receive a detailed clinical report that explains your child’s results, the clinician’s observations, how they meet (or don’t meet) DSM-5 criteria, and any co-occurring concerns. The report also includes practical recommendations for home, school, and daily routines. Your clinician will review the findings with you, answer your questions, and discuss next steps.
We view ADHD as a difference, not a flaw, and focus on steps that make daily life easier. This can include organizational tools, school accommodations, emotional regulation techniques, and, where appropriate, medical treatment. The goal is to help your child feel understood, supported, and able to navigate life with confidence.
ADHD
01
Speak with your dedicated care navigator in an initial consultation where we focus on understanding your unique situation and gather essential information.
Free consultation
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Via the client portal, You'll be matched with a Nuvirtis clinician who specializes in exactly what your child needs.
Appointment scheduling
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Choose between our virtual, hybrid or in-person assessment pathways - based on what suits your family best.
Choose desired pathway
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Begin the assessment process. Our clinicians use proven tools such as Conners 3, Vanderbilt, and adhere strictly to the diagnostic guidelines set out by the DSM-5.
Begin assessment
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Assessment
Initial
Connect with your provider via online video conference to talk about your concerns, discuss your goals, and receive a comprehensive clinical diagnosis.
Three in four parents say their child's assessment lifted the weight of uncertainty off their shoulders.
Build the confidence they'll carry forever.
Measurable results your whole family feels.
Client satisfaction isn't just a goal - it's what drives every decision we make.
Frequently asked questions
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