ADHD in children
What Is ADHD
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects executive functioning, a set of cognitive skills that the brain uses to plan, organise, prioritise, and complete tasks to achieve goals.
These executive skills are often described as the “management system of the brain” and include planning, prioritising, paying attention, remembering information, regulating impulses, and regulating emotions. ADHD symptoms usually appear in childhood and can persist into adulthood.
Symptoms of ADHD
Children with ADHD commonly present with:
- Inattention — difficulty sustaining attention, staying on task, or staying organised
- Hyperactivity — moving around often (at inappropriate times/ settings), feeling restless, or talking excessively
- Impulsivity — interrupting, intruding on others, or having difficulty waiting one’s turn
Everyone shows these behaviours at times. However, in ADHD, these difficulties are persistent, frequent, and occur across multiple settings (school, home, work, social).
Causes Of ADHD
The causes of ADHD are not fully understood. It is likely due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Research shows that ADHD is highly heritable — about 70–80% of the differences in ADHD traits across the population can be explained by genetic factors.
Other studies have found that children born with low birth weight (<2 kg) or very low birth weight (<1.5 kg) have a higher likelihood of developing ADHD due to the impact on early brain development.
Diagnoses Of ADHD In Children
ADHD diagnoses usually involve interviews with parents and teachers, behavioural observations of the child, and standardised parent/teacher rating scales.
Information often gathered includes:
- Developmental history
- Medical history
- Birth history
- Behaviour and performance across settings (home, school, and other social settings if applicable)
- Family history
Clinicians look for symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are:
- Developmentally inappropriate
- Present for at least 6 months
- Observed across multiple settings
To avoid misdiagnosis, clinicians consider environmental factors. For example, if a child fidgets only in school, but not at home, it may be due to an uncomfortable classroom environment rather than ADHD.
Treatment Of ADHD In Children
Preschool Years
Behavioural strategies are usually recommended as a first-line treatment. This includes clear routines, structure (e.g. fixed times for meals/homework), and frequent positive reinforcement (praise, rewards). Medication may be considered in severe cases
School Age & Adolescents
Supporting A Child With ADHD
Children with ADHD may benefit from more intentional support with tasks that require attention regulation, impulse control, or sustained effort.
It is important that parents aim to understand their child’s strengths and challenges to support them to the best of their ability. Here are some strategies that may be helpful:
- Provide structure and predictability – build consistent routines across the week
- Allow movement breaks or a fidget toy if leaving their seat is not possible
- Build in reminders into their routines using post-its, or automated text messages
The goal is not for children to magically no longer have difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and activity levels, but rather, for children to develop and self-execute a system that compensates for whatever challenges they may face.
For example, if they are often forgetful and leave personal items behind, then it is important to build a habit of checking their environment before leaving a place.
Due to the nature of their difficulties, children with ADHD may experience lower self-esteem as they may receive criticisms and negative feedback about their behaviour and performance, especially in a school setting.
As such, it is vital that parents and teachers acknowledge and support their strengths. Praise them for their effort and acknowledge that they are trying. This can go a long way in supporting and developing their self-esteem.
Most importantly, ADHD is not the parents’ fault, and there was no way to prevent or predict the development of ADHD. What matters most is supporting your child to live a fulfilling, happy life.
When To Seek Help
It is normal for children to have difficulties paying attention, or run around and play with their friends for hours. It is also normal for children to lose objects. Learning how to regulate attention, activity levels and impulsivity is a normal part of development.
However, if, as a parent, you believe that your child has the above difficulties that are impacting their learning in their classroom and their relationships with friends, family members and teachers, then it might be time to reach out for support.
Asking for help does not mean that your child will be labelled immediately. The goal is to understand your child’s strengths and weaknesses better and work together to implement strategies that will help him or her manage better.
How Can Us Help You?
Experienced Therapists
Our processes and quality assurance is led by Dr.Emma Waddington, a UK-trained senior clinician psychologist and Founder of Us Therapy, with over 20+ years of experience in helping individuals in Singapore.
Holistic & Personalised Approach
Our clinicians draw from various therapeutic models to create a holistic approach. At Us, we have seen hundreds of clients and we recognise that each individual is unique. Our approach is tailored to you but always includes customised treatment plans and integrative techniques.
Thorough Assessment
At Us, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive assessment processes. We will undergo a thorough assessment process with you in your first sessions before we come up with a plan for your therapy.
Our Therapists
Therapy Approaches
Effective therapy approaches for children diagnosed with ADHD include Behavioural Therapy directly with the child and behavioural parent training to support parents in carrying out the strategies at home.
At present, research tells us that behavioural parent training is the most effective form of treatment as it ensures that the child continues to receive support outside of sessions.
With the right support, parents can help children learn skills that boost their resilience in the long run.
What To Expect
Initial Consultation – A Space to Be Heard
The first session is all about getting to know you. It is a conversation—one where you can share what is been on your mind, what has been feeling difficult, and what you would like support with. Your therapist will ask questions about your background, experiences, and goals, but there is no pressure to answer any questions—just a safe space to begin.
Questionnaires & Onboarding Surveys – Understanding the Full Picture
To help tailor therapy to your needs, you may be asked to fill out some brief questionnaires before or after your first session. These can give insight into things like mood, stress levels, relationship patterns, or coping strategies. They are not tests—just tools to help your therapist understand how best to support you.
Individual Therapy Sessions – Your Journey at Your Own Pace
Each session is a step forward in your journey. Therapy is not just about talking—it is about discovering new ways to navigate life’s challenges, make sense of emotions, and feel like you are getting the most out of your life. Depending on your needs, sessions may focus on:
- Exploring patterns of thought and behavior
- Understanding past experiences and their impact on the present
- Developing practical coping tools
- Strengthening emotional resilience
Feedback Sessions – Reflecting and Adjusting
After the first few sessions (or after assessments), a feedback session provides space to reflect on how therapy is going. This is a chance to talk about what has been helpful, what you would like more of, and how therapy can continue to best serve you.
Intervention – The Heart of Therapy
Intervention is where meaningful change happens. Every therapy journey is unique, and the approach will be shaped around what works best for you. Some common approaches include:
🌱 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helping to identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns, reduce anxiety, and develop healthier ways to cope and new patterns of behaviour.
🧠 Schema Therapy – Deep, transformational work to uncover long-standing patterns that might be keeping you stuck, often rooted in early life experiences.
💙 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Learning to handle difficult emotions with self-compassion and move towards what truly matters in life.
🌊 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) – A powerful approach for healing trauma and distressing memories, helping the brain reprocess them in a way that feels less overwhelming.
🧘 Mindfulness-Based Approaches – Building self-awareness, grounding techniques, and ways to manage stress and emotions with greater ease.
Fees
Individual Counselling Rates
Clinician type
Fees and Duration
Clinic Founder
$310
Principal Psychologist
$290
Senior Clinical Psychologist
$262
Educational Psychologist
$262
Clinical Psychologist
$236
Counsellor
$170
Expressive Arts Therapist
$170
Associate Psychologist
$130
Phone calls / Emails
Clinicians rate pro-rata (10 Mins)
FAQs About ADHD In Children
What are common signs of ADHD in a child?
- Seemingly endless energy
- Often losing personal items (wallet, bottles, stationery)
- Talking excessively, interrupting frequently
- Missing out on details in schoolwork
- Difficulty staying seated in class
If you have concerns about your child, do reach out to a professional at Us Therapy for support, assessment, and evaluation.
How do you treat a child with ADHD?
Behavioural strategies are often the first line for young children. This includes routines, structure, and consistent positive reinforcement.
Medication may be helpful for older children and adolescents. Medication should always be prescribed and monitored by a medical professional.
