A Parent-Friendly Guide You Can Actually Use

If you’re here because you typed “9 symptoms of ADHD” into Google at midnight (again), you’re not alone. Most parents don’t start out trying to become mini-experts in attention and behavior. They start out trying to understand their child.

Maybe you’re noticing constant daydreaming, explosive frustration over “small” things, or the never-ending battle to start homework. Maybe school has raised concerns. Or maybe your gut has been whispering, “Something is going on, and my child isn’t doing this on purpose.”

Let’s walk through the 9 symptoms of ADHD in a clear, parent-friendly way, including what they can look like in real life. And just a reminder: this isn’t a diagnosis, but it can help you spot patterns and know what to ask for next.

Quick note before we begin

ADHD symptoms are usually grouped into two categories: inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. The “9 symptoms” people search for most often are the 9 inattention symptoms used in clinical criteria. (There are also 9 hyperactive/impulsive symptoms, too.) Many kids have a mix of both, which is why you might hear terms like “combined presentation.”

Now, let’s get into the question you came for.

The 9 Symptoms of ADHD (Inattention)

1) Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes

This is the “they know it, but the work doesn’t show it” symptom.

What it can look like at home or school:

• Rushing through worksheets and missing obvious questions
• Spelling a word right one day and “wrong” the next
• Reading instructions but skipping steps anyway

This is rarely laziness. Many children with ADHD struggle with sustained focus and checking their work, especially when they feel pressured, bored, or overwhelmed.

2) Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play

This is a big one, and it doesn’t always look like “can’t focus at all.” Sometimes it looks like can’t focus on the thing that isn’t interesting.

What it can look like:

• Drifting off during lessons, stories, or conversations
• Starting homework and “forgetting” they were doing it
• Needing constant reminders to come back to the task

You might also notice attention comes and goes depending on energy, stress, sleep, hunger, and the environment.

3) Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly

This one can feel personal, because it can look like ignoring. But often it’s a processing and attention issue, not disrespect.

What it can look like:

• You say their name multiple times, and nothing lands
• They answer “what?” even when you just spoke
• You give directions and they genuinely have no idea what you said

A helpful reframe many parents use: “They’re not not listening, they’re not able to access the listening right now.”

4) Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish tasks

It’s not that they don’t start. They often do. It’s that the middle and the end fall apart.

What it can look like:

• Putting one shoe on, then wandering off
• Starting a chore but getting stuck or distracted
• Leaving homework half-done despite trying

This is connected to executive function skills: planning, sequencing, remembering steps, and staying on track.

5) Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities

Organization is not just “keeping a tidy room.” It’s an internal skill set that helps kids manage time, steps, and materials.

What it can look like:

• Losing school items constantly (PE kit, water bottle, homework)
• Struggling to break big projects into smaller steps
• Melting down because they don’t know where to start

If your child panics over “clean your room,” it might not be defiance. It might be that the task feels too big and their brain can’t map the steps.

6) Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks requiring sustained mental effort

This is where homework battles are born.

What it can look like:

• Refusing reading, writing, or long assignments
• Procrastinating until the last second
• Emotional shutdowns when something feels hard

This can be linked to working memory and mental stamina. It’s exhausting to force your brain to stay with something that doesn’t naturally “hook” your attention.

7) Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities

If you’ve ever bought five rulers in a single term… welcome.

What it can look like:

• Losing pencils, coats, school books, lunch boxes
• Misplacing belongings immediately after setting them down
• Forgetting what they need for class or after-school clubs

This isn’t always carelessness. It can be attention, memory, and “object permanence” challenges, especially during transitions and busy moments.

8) Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli

The world is loud when your brain can’t filter.

What it can look like:

• Getting pulled off task by a tiny noise or movement
• Not being able to work in a busy classroom
• Switching focus constantly: “Oh look, the dog… oh wait… what was I doing?”

Some kids are also distracted by internal thoughts, worries, or sensory discomfort (like itchy labels or bright lights).

9) Is often forgetful in daily activities

This one can affect routines, school, and friendships.

What it can look like:

• Forgetting instructions right after hearing them
• Leaving tasks unfinished because they forgot they started
• Forgetting to bring things home, return forms, or pass on messages

It’s frustrating because it can feel like your child “doesn’t care.” But many kids with ADHD care deeply, and still can’t consistently remember without support.

A Personal Note from One Parent to Another

If reading these made your chest tighten, I get it.

Not because a list on the internet has all the answers, but because you might be seeing your child in every point. And if you’re anything like most parents I talk to, your next thought is something like: Have I missed this? Have I handled it wrong? What if I’ve been too hard on them?

Here’s what I want you to hear clearly: noticing symptoms doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re paying attention.

When ADHD is part of your child’s story, the goal isn’t to “fix” them. It’s to understand how their brain works so you can support them with more compassion and less constant conflict.

When to Talk to a Professional About ADHD Symptoms

You’ll usually want to seek an assessment or professional support if:

• symptoms show up in more than one setting (home, school, clubs)
• challenges have been present for a while (not just a tough week)
• it’s affecting learning, friendships, confidence, or family life

A GP, paediatrician, child psychologist, or school support team can help you explore next steps depending on where you live.

Frequently Searched Questions Parents Ask

Are these the only 9 symptoms of ADHD?
These are the 9 symptoms in the inattention category. There are also 9 symptoms in the hyperactivity/impulsivity category.

Can a child have ADHD without being hyperactive?
Yes. Many children, especially girls, are more inattentive, internal, and “quietly struggling.”

Can ADHD look like anxiety or oppositional behaviour?
It can overlap. ADHD can come with emotional dysregulation, overwhelm, and shutdowns, which can be mistaken for “bad behaviour.”

Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering whether your child has ADHD, you don’t need to have everything figured out today. Start with patterns. Start with language. Start with support.

And if your child is constantly getting told to “try harder,” while you can see they already are, you’re allowed to push for answers. You’re allowed to advocate. You’re allowed to trust your instincts.

Because understanding your child changes everything.