8 Signs of High-Functioning ADHD in Children

Every child is special, and some kids have amazing brains that work in a unique way. These children may have trouble focusing on tasks or keeping things organized, but they also have incredible strengths and talents. This is called high-functioning ADHD. It’s important to remember that ADHD isn’t a weakness, but rather a different way to experience the world. 

Spotting the signs: Understanding your child’s strengths and challenges

Here are eight common signs of high-functioning ADHD to keep in mind:

• Trouble focusing — Some children with ADHD might find it hard to stay focused on tasks, especially those they don’t find interesting. They may be easily distracted by noises or sights around them, or they may switch from one activity to another quickly without finishing either one. This can make things like homework or listening in class challenging. 
• Organization challenges — Keeping track of homework assignments, chores and belongings can be tricky for children with ADHD. They may forget instructions or struggle to plan ahead, which can lead to lost homework, forgotten lunches or difficulty getting ready in the morning on time. 
• Impulsivity — Your child may blurt things out in class before being called on, or they may act without thinking first. They may have trouble waiting their turn in games or activities, which can sometimes lead to frustrations for them and others. 
• Lots of energy — Some kids with ADHD have a lot of energy and may fidget constantly, tap their feet or squirm in their seats. This can make it hard for them to sit still for long periods, especially at school. 
• Strong emotions — Children with ADHD can experience big feelings that are hard to manage. They may get frustrated easily or feel overwhelmed by situations. This can sometimes lead to emotional outbursts or meltdowns. 
• Hyperfocus — On the flip side of attention difficulties, some kids with high-functioning ADHD may hyperfocus on activities that interest them. This hyperfocus tendency can lead them to exclude or forget other tasks and responsibilities.
• Academic performance — Despite having high intelligence and potential, some children with high-functioning ADHD may not do well academically due to having a hard time with organization, time management, or staying focused during class or while studying. 
• Motor coordination — Some children with ADHD may also experience challenges with their fine or gross motor skills, such as handwriting, sports activities or coordination in tasks requiring physical movement.

These are just a few examples of how children with high-functioning ADHD may experience challenges. Every child with ADHD is different. The severity of these signs can also vary. If you notice these signs happening often and making it hard for your child at school or home, talk to their doctor. They can help you understand your child’s specific needs and recommend the best ways to support them. 

Free resource: ADHD Fundamentals webinar

Helping your child thrive: Building a supportive environment

There are ways you can help your child with high-functioning ADHD succeed and thrive. For example:

• Understand their triggers — Some things, like loud noises or bright lights, may make it harder for your child to focus. Work together with your child to figure out what these triggers are. Maybe they find it easier to concentrate with noise-canceling headphones on, or perhaps a desk lamp with a dimmer switch could be helpful. 
• Build a routine — Having a set schedule for mornings, evenings and homework time can help your child know what to expect each day. This can provide a sense of comfort and control, making it easier for them to manage their time and stay on track. Visual schedules with pictures or checklists can be especially helpful.
• Break down big tasks — Large projects can be overwhelming for anyone, but especially for children with ADHD. Breaking down big tasks into smaller, easier steps can help your child feel less overwhelmed and make it easier for them to stay focused and motivated. You can work together to create a plan for completing tasks, and celebrate their progress along the way. 
• Use time management tools — Timers and checklists can be your child’s best friends! Timers can help them stay on track with deadlines for assignments or chores. Checklists can help them keep track of what needs to be done so that they don’t forget anything important. There are also many helpful apps and online tools available that can help with time management and organization. 
• Get them moving — Regular exercise can be a great way for children with high-functioning ADHD to release energy and improve focus. Encourage your child to participate in activities they enjoy, such as sports, playing outside or dance classes. Even short bursts of activity throughout the day can be helpful.
• Provide positive reinforcement — Celebrating your child’s successes, no matter how small, is very important. Positive reinforcement helps build their confidence and encourages them to keep trying. Let them know you’re proud of their effort, even if they don’t always achieve a perfect result. 
• Have open communication — Talk openly with your child about ADHD. Help them understand their strengths and challenges. Encourage them to tell you how they’re feeling and what they need. Let them know they’re not alone and that you’re there to support them. 
• Work with their teachers — Work with your child’s teachers to create a supportive learning environment. This may involve providing them with fidget tools to help them stay focused, extra time for assignments or a quiet space in the classroom where they can regroup if needed. 
• Enlist an Executive Function coach — Consider involving an ADHD Executive Function skills coach. They can assess your child’s specific weaknesses and develop personalized strategies. Through practice and role-playing, these coaches can help equip your child with tools to tackle challenges and boost their self-esteem. Collaboration with parents and teachers ensures that everyone’s on the same page, helping to maximize your child’s success.

Remember, raising a child with high-functioning ADHD requires patience, empathy and a whole lot of love. By creating a supportive environment at home and providing them with the right tools, you can help your child navigate their challenges and thrive. 

Beyond BookSmart can help your child with high-functioning ADHD build a brighter future 

At Beyond BookSmart, we believe that Executive Function skills can be: 

• Taught
• Learned
• Applied for success by any student

This view informs all our Executive Function coaching services. 

Our services are also customizable to each student’s needs, learning differences, emotional challenges, etc. We can equip you and your child with the right tools and resources you need to foster a supportive environment to overcome the challenges they face with high-functioning ADHD. This customization allows us to help every student work toward becoming the most capable version of themselves. 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an inquiry call.