ADHD and teenagers
ADHD in teenagers often presents differently to ADHD in children or adults. Understanding the signs of ADHD in teens, including the different experiences of ADHD in teenage girls vs boys, can help you find ways to support them with any struggles they may be facing.
There are ways to help your teen manage their ADHD symptoms, ranging from strategies to work on at home to seeking professional help. Check out some of the articles and ADHD resources below to get started.
Frequently asked questions about ADHD and teens
It’s less common for ADHD to begin entirely in the teen years. ADHD usually begins in childhood, but sometimes signs of ADHD don't become noticeable until the teen years. Children are sometimes able to manage or mask their symptoms early on, but as school and social demands increase, these coping strategies may no longer be enough, making ADHD more apparent.
Learn more about what to do if you think your teen has ADHD.
ADHD affects between 6–10 per cent of Australian teens, so if you're concerned about your teenager, you're not alone in seeking answers.
It’s important to know that ADHD isn’t just about being ‘hyper’ or having trouble concentrating. It can affect how teens manage emotions, stay organised, and interact socially. Every young person with ADHD is unique, and many thrive with the right support, understanding, and strategies in place. Learn more about ADHD in teens.
ADHD is diagnosed more often in boys, but it’s not because girls don’t have it. ADHD in teenage girls can often have quieter, inattentive symptoms (things like daydreaming or disorganisation) that can go unnoticed, leading to underdiagnosis.
Around 9.8 per cent of teen boys and 2.7 per cent of teen girls are diagnosed with ADHD in Australia. Read more about ADHD in women and girls.
Yes, ADHD can be inherited. If there's a family history, it's worth keeping this in mind when observing your teen's development. Siblings of children with ADHD are also three to four times more likely to have it too. Learn more about ADHD in teens.
Diagnosing ADHD in teens usually involves a thorough evaluation by a qualified professional, such as a paediatrician, psychiatrist, or psychologist. They’ll gather input from multiple sources, like parents, teachers, and the teen themselves, and may use structured rating scales or assessments to understand how symptoms appear across different settings.
Learn more about how ADHD in teens is diagnosed.
Online quizzes can't provide a reliable diagnosis. They can be misleading and often oversimplify ADHD. It’s also important to be aware of misinformation. Some social media content about ADHD misrepresents the condition, leading teens to misidentify or normalise symptoms without proper context. Only a professional assessment can do that.
If you have concerns, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional rather than rely on online tools. Learn more about how ADHD in teens is diagnosed.
Helping your teen manage ADHD in school can often look like supporting them with organisation and structure, collaborating with teachers, celebrating your teen's strengths, and maintaining open communication with the school. Remember, with the right support, teens with ADHD can thrive academically, particularly during exams.