ADHD Traits: What to Look For

What are ADHD traits?

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Traits are the everyday ways it shows up, and they vary widely between people.

The Australian ADHD Guideline (GP factsheet) reports that more than 1 million Australians have ADHD. If you want a plain definition first, read what ADHD is.

What are the signs of ADHD?

Under DSM-5 there are 9 inattentive and 9 hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. Some people describe everyday experiences like these.

• Missing details, making careless mistakes or losing track of tasks, instructions and conversations, even when you are trying hard.
• Misplacing keys, phones, wallets and paperwork, and often needing to search for them.
• Finding it hard to start boring tasks, or leaving them until a deadline creates urgency.
• Fidgeting, tapping, leaving your seat or feeling an inner drive that makes sitting through meetings difficult.
• Interrupting, finishing other people’s sentences or struggling to wait your turn in queues and conversations.
• Being easily pulled off task by noises, thoughts or notifications, then finding it hard to return.

These are descriptions, not a checklist you can score yourself. Only a qualified professional can assess whether they amount to ADHD.

ADHD characteristics by presentation

The guideline describes three presentations (AADPA guideline).

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

ADHD traits by age and gender

ADHD traits are not the same for everyone. healthdirect says ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in young males but is underdiagnosed in young females and adults (healthdirect).

Traits in young children and toddlers

Our guide to signs of ADHD in toddlers explains what clinicians look for, and ADHD in children covers the school years. ADHD in boys covers boys.

Traits in girls, teens and women

healthdirect says ADHD is underdiagnosed in young females. Read about ADHD in girls, ADHD in teens and the symptoms of ADHD in women. If you have hidden difficulties for years, ADHD masking in women may sound familiar.

Traits in men and adults

Some adults describe disorganisation, restlessness and work stress. See adult ADHD symptoms and ADHD in men.

Physical signs of ADHD

ADHD is assessed through a clinical assessment rather than a quiz. Some people describe movement and body-based experiences alongside it.

• Fidgeting, leg bouncing, pen clicking or needing to move around during long conversations or tasks.
• Repetitive movements to stay calm or focused; our guide to stimming and ADHD explains these.
• Questions about sleep, which you can raise with your GP; our guide to ADHD and sleep problems has more.
• Questions about eating patterns, which are also worth raising with your GP; see binge eating and ADHD.

Is rubbing your feet together a sign of ADHD? It is a repetitive movement some people notice, but it is not a diagnostic sign of ADHD by itself. One habit on its own does not point to a diagnosis, so mention it to your GP as part of the wider picture.

Signs you have ADHD: thinking and emotions

The guideline states emotion regulation difficulties affect up to 40–50% of children with ADHD (AADPA guideline). ADHD Australia says ADHD can affect the ability to self-regulate thoughts and emotions. Some people describe experiences like the ones below, which are not diagnostic signs on their own.

• Strong emotions that arrive quickly and take a long time to settle; see ADHD emotional dysregulation.
• Intense hurt over perceived criticism or rejection, explained in RSD and ADHD.
• Being unable to start tasks even when you want to, often called ADHD paralysis.
• Becoming deeply absorbed in something interesting, covered in ADHD hyperfocus, and struggling with ADHD focus and procrastination.
• Feeling overwhelmed by noise, light or crowds, described in ADHD sensory overload.

Overthinking and perfectionism are not diagnostic signs of ADHD by themselves. They are not enough on their own to suggest ADHD, so describe them to your clinician alongside everything else.

Living with ADHD: daily struggles and strengths

healthdirect states adults with ADHD can successfully learn to manage their lives, but may also experience depression or anxiety, substance misuse problems, and difficulties with family and work. ADHD struggles are real, and so are people’s strengths.

Living with someone with ADHD

Partners, parents and housemates can support a person with ADHD in practical ways.

• Agree on a shared calendar and weekly planning chat so responsibilities are visible and no one has to nag.
• Ask what helps instead of guessing.
• Treat missed tasks as a difficulty with planning and memory, not as proof that the person does not care.
• Look after your own wellbeing too, and call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for nurse advice at any hour.

How ADHD is assessed in Australia

Assessment is a clinical process rather than a quiz. The AADPA checklist requires evidence of symptoms before age 12, present for at least 6 months, causing impairment in at least two settings such as home, school or work (AADPA diagnosis checklist).

1. 1Write down your examples. Note what happens at home, work or school and when you first remember difficulties.
2. 2Book a longer GP appointment. Bring your notes, school reports if you have them and details of mood, sleep and health.
3. 3Ask for a referral. Your GP can explain which qualified clinician assesses ADHD for your age group.
4. 4Share background evidence. Teachers, parents or partners may be asked to describe behaviour over time.
5. 5Talk through options. After assessment, your clinician can explain supports, therapies and whether medicine is suitable.

ADHD traits and the NDIS

If you meet the NDIS access requirements, a plan may fund supports such as help with daily tasks, community participation and building independence.

• Collect reports from your GP, psychologist or psychiatrist that describe how ADHD affects your daily life.
• Keep a simple diary of daily support needs before you talk to the NDIA.
• Ask your clinician whether the impact on your life is likely to be long-term.
• Check the NDIA website for current access requirements and what evidence they accept.

When to talk to a GP or specialist

• Attention, impulsivity or restlessness have affected school, work, study or relationships for months or longer.
• A child, teen or adult in your family seems to be struggling much more than others of the same age.
• Your mood, sleep or anxiety has worsened and you are not sure whether ADHD is part of the picture.
• You are relying on alcohol, other substances or constant busyness to cope.
• You would like a clear explanation of your strengths and difficulties to help ask for support.

Call 000 in an emergency. If you are in distress or having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, and call 000 if someone is in immediate danger.

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Practical support at home

If ADHD affects daily routines and you meet the NDIS access requirements, practical support can be part of your plan. TQN Care’s NDIS services include personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). We provide day-to-day support, not treatment, and we are happy to talk through what would help you or your family.