Does My Teen Have ADHD?

If you have found yourself asking, “Does my teen have ADHD?”, you are not alone. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental condition that can be difficult to recognise during the teenage years. Parents and guardians may start to question whether some of their teen’s behaviours are related to ADHD or the changes that come with adolescence.

In this blog, we will explain what ADHD is and how it can present in teenagers. We will also look at why it can sometimes occur alongside other conditions and how an experienced psychologist assesses ADHD.

Understanding ADHD

ADHD is a developmental condition involving persistent difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and activity levels. It is not caused by poor discipline, laziness or a lack of motivation. Rather, it is associated with differences in how the brain functions.

ADHD is usually described as having three presentations:

• Predominantly inattentive presentation, where difficulties with attention and organisation are more prominent than hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation, where hyperactivity and impulsivity are more prominent.

• Combined presentation, where both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are present.

How Do I Know If My Teen Has ADHD? Common Traits

The teenage years bring many changes, and some concerns may become more noticeable during this time. Below are some patterns that may suggest a professional assessment could be helpful:

Difficulties With Attention and Focus

For teens, difficulties with attention and focus may cause them to frequently lose track of schoolwork, forget instructions shortly after hearing them, or drift off during lessons. Homework might also take longer than expected, not because it is too hard, but because sustaining focus on it can be challenging.

Struggles With Organisation and Planning

Struggles with organisation and planning can appear as a tendency to misplace belongings, frequently missed deadlines, or difficulties breaking larger tasks into manageable steps. Some teens might start assignments with enthusiasm but struggle to complete them.

Impulsivity

Impulsivity might present as interrupting conversations, making decisions without considering the consequences, or acting without thinking things through. Impulsive comments or actions can sometimes affect friendships and family relationships or lead to difficulties in social situations.

Restlessness or Hyperactivity

Restlessness or hyperactivity in teenagers may be less obvious than in younger children. This can include frequent fidgeting, restlessness, difficulty remaining still for long periods, or being constantly “on the go”.

Emotional Regulation Challenges

Some teens with ADHD may experience frustration, irritability, or mood swings that can be difficult to manage. This does not mean every mood swing is related to ADHD, but a consistent pattern may be worth discussing with a psychologist.

It is important to remember that many of these behaviours can occur for reasons unrelated to ADHD, including stress, sleep difficulties, anxiety, and other conditions. A comprehensive assessment by a qualified psychologist can help determine whether the symptoms meet the criteria for ADHD or may have another explanation.

Can ADHD Co-Occur With Other Conditions?

ADHD can co-exist with other neurodevelopmental or learning-related conditions. Some of these may include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): ADHD and autism can co-occur, and some traits, such as difficulties with social communication or sensory sensitivities, may overlap. Colloquially, this is referred to as AuDHD.

• Dyslexia: A learning difficulty affecting reading accuracy and fluency, dyslexia can sometimes be confused with attention difficulties when reading tasks are avoided or take longer than expected.

• Dyscalculia: A learning difficulty affecting the understanding of numbers and mathematical concepts, dyscalculia may add to the teen’s difficulties with schoolwork.

• Dysgraphia: A learning difficulty that affects written expression and handwriting, dysgraphia can make written tasks challenging for some teens.

Because these conditions can occur alongside ADHD or present with some similar difficulties, a comprehensive assessment helps consider ADHD alongside other possible conditions.

How Is ADHD Assessed at The Balmain Practice?

At The Balmain Practice, we take a structured, evidence-based approach to adolescent assessments. We follow a five-step assessment process, with our warm and caring psychologists guiding families through each stage.

Step 1: Intake Call

The process starts with an intake call with our Client Concierge, Candy Elliott, who holds a Diploma in Psychotherapy and a Bachelor of Psychotherapy.

During this call, Candy will listen to your concerns, answer any questions you have, and walk you through the assessment process. If an ADHD assessment is the right fit, she will arrange an appointment with one of our psychologists.

Step 2: Clinical Parent Interview

One of our psychologists conducts an in-depth online interview with parents or guardians. This session is focused on building a thorough understanding of your teenager’s background before any formal testing begins.

During the interview, the psychologist will cover:

• Developmental history and current behaviours at home and school, including any emotional or social difficulties

• Family background, social relationships, hobbies, and general physical and mental health

• Any existing reports from schools, GPs, or other health professionals

• Observations of academic challenges or learning concerns

• Any questions or concerns parents have about the assessment process

This information helps our team form a clearer picture of your teenager’s individual profile.

Step 3: Testing and Assessment

The teenager will complete a series of structured assessments. These cover several key areas and may include:

• Cognitive Ability: Verbal comprehension, fluid reasoning, visual-spatial reasoning, working memory, and processing speed

• Executive Functioning: Attention, impulse control, planning, and cognitive flexibility

• Academic Performance: Reading, writing, and numeracy skills

• Social and Emotional Functioning: Behavioural patterns, emotional regulation, and social skills across different settings

Parents and teachers may also be asked to complete screening tools (where applicable) to provide additional context around the teenager’s day-to-day focus and behaviour.

Step 4: Analysis of Results and Written Report

Once the assessments are complete, our psychologists will review the results, looking at patterns and traits that may be consistent with ADHD or co-occurring conditions.

A written report is then prepared, covering:

• Key findings from the assessment

• Overview of the diagnosis, if relevant

• Recommendations for academic support, therapeutic interventions and day-to-day adjustments, if relevant

Step 5: Feedback Session

A feedback session is held with parents to talk through the report, answer questions, and discuss next steps. An electronic copy of the report is provided after the session, and a printed version can be provided on request.

Key Takeaway

If you are still asking yourself, “Does my teen have ADHD?”, a clinical assessment can help clarify whether ADHD may be contributing to the difficulties you have noticed.

At The Balmain Practice, we understand that taking the first step can feel overwhelming. Our experienced psychologists are here to support families throughout the assessment process, from the initial intake call through to the feedback session. Book an assessment today.