As South Africa marks National ADHD Awareness Day, healthcare professionals are encouraging parents, caregivers and educators to recognise the early signs of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), reminding families that early identification and appropriate support can significantly improve long-term outcomes for children living with the condition.[i]

ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders affecting children and adolescents worldwide. It is characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that interfere with everyday functioning at home, at school and in other settings. [ii]

According to the South African Society of Psychiatrists, ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in children, affecting approximately 2-16% of school-aged children. It follows about 65% of them into adulthood, affecting about 1 million adults in South Africa, often impacting education, employment, relationships and overall quality of life if left unrecognised and untreated.[iii]

“An ADHD diagnosis should never be viewed as a label,” says Aman Khanna, Country Head at Viatris South Africa. “Rather, it provides families with a better understanding of what a child is experiencing and opens the door to the support they need to succeed academically, socially and emotionally. At Viatris, a global healthcare company, we believe that improving awareness, reducing stigma and encouraging timely assessment are important steps towards ensuring more children receive the support they need to achieve better long-term outcomes.”

Dr Avani Maharaj, psychiatrist from Palm Tree Clinic, Cape Town, says ADHD is far more than occasional distraction or high energy levels: “It is a recognised medical condition that can influence many aspects of a child’s daily life. Greater awareness can help families recognise the signs earlier and seek the appropriate support children need to reach their full potential and reduce the long-term impact associated with untreated ADHD.”

Despite growing awareness, many children continue to experience delays in diagnosis because the signs of ADHD are misunderstood or attributed to poor behaviour, laziness or a lack of discipline rather than an underlying medical condition. Stigma and limited understanding remain important barriers to accessing timely assessment and treatment.

Recognising the signs early is important because timely assessment can help children access appropriate support before difficulties begin to affect their learning, emotional wellbeing and social development.

Teachers often play an important role in this process. The structured classroom environment is frequently where ADHD symptoms become most noticeable, meaning teachers are often among the first to identify behaviours that may warrant further assessment. [iv]

Fidgeting, inattention, or impulsive outbursts may look like intentional defiance or laziness but there may be an underlying neurological challenge. Dr Maharaj says parents, caregivers and teachers should speak to a qualified healthcare professional if a child consistently experiences symptoms such as:

However, it is important to remember that no single behaviour or symptoms confirm ADHD. Diagnosis requires a comprehensive clinical assessment by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional. This assessment includes a detailed developmental history, information from parents and teachers, and confirmation that symptoms are present across more than one setting and interfere with everyday functioning.

Once diagnosed, ADHD can be effectively managed through an individualised approach that may include behavioural interventions, educational support, parent guidance, psychosocial interventions and, where clinically appropriate, medication prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.