The DSM-5, the manual used by psychologists and physicians to diagnose ADHD, groups symptoms into three main types:
While the diagnostic types of ADHD (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined) offer a framework, real-life presentations are often more nuanced and can shift over time or across settings like home, school, and social environments. For example, a child may not appear hyperactive but still struggle with emotional regulation, motivation, or time management.
ADHD: A disorder of self-regulation
Dr. Russell Barkley and other experts describe ADHD as a disorder of self-regulation. This means the core issue isn’t just attention—it’s the brain’s difficulty in effectively managing or regulating actions, emotions, and time.
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ADHD presents differently in every child and can evolve over time. While ADHD can look like many different things, here are some of the frequent ways it may show up in kids, teens and young adults:
Boys are often more likely to show externalized, hyperactive and impulsive behaviours, like running or climbing in inappropriate situations, or constantly fidgeting.
Girls are more likely to exhibit inattentive or internalized symptoms, such as daydreaming, disorganization, and emotional sensitivity. These traits are often misinterpreted as shyness or anxiety, leading to underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis.
