ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting approximately 9–11% of school-age children in the United States, characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that impairs functioning across settings. Managing ADHD effectively requires a multi-modal approach — diagnosis, behavioral supports, school accommodations, and often medication all working together. The single most important mental model for parents: ADHD is not a deficit of knowledge but a deficit of performance, meaning children with ADHD often know what to do yet struggle to do it consistently without external structure and support.
What This Cheat Sheet Covers
This topic spans 18 focused tables and 122 indexed concepts. Below is a complete table-by-table outline of this topic, spanning foundational concepts through advanced details.
Table 1: DSM-5 ADHD Diagnosis Criteria and Presentations
ADHD is diagnosed by clinicians using the DSM-5 framework, which specifies symptom counts, age of onset, and cross-setting impairment. Understanding these criteria helps parents recognize when professional evaluation is warranted and prepares them for the assessment process.
| Criterion | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
Careless mistakes, loses items, easily distracted, doesn't follow through on tasks | Requires ≥6 symptoms of inattention (≥5 for age 17+) persisting ≥6 months; child often appears "dreamy" or forgetful | |
Fidgets, leaves seat, runs/climbs inappropriately, blurts answers, can't wait turn | Requires ≥6 symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity (≥5 for age 17+) persisting ≥6 months; most visible in young children | |
Child meets full criteria for both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity | Most common presentation; meets the ≥6 threshold in both symptom clusters simultaneously | |
Symptoms reported by parents and teachers present since kindergarten | Several symptoms must have been present before age 12; retrospective report from parents and teachers is standard |