To define ADHD: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental (brain development) condition that begins in early childhood and affects the ability to self-regulate thoughts, speech, actions and emotions. It used to be called attention deficit disorder (ADD). This guide is for people with ADHD, parents, carers, support workers and anyone curious, and it covers causes, presentations, assessment, strengths and support in Australia.
healthdirect describes ADHD as a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in early childhood and affects the ability to self-regulate thoughts, speech, actions and emotions (healthdirect).
If you want to define ADHD in everyday words, the table below gives the plain meaning of the key terms.
Our short guide on the ADHD full form explains each word in the name, and the Australian ADHD Guideline offers a longer clinical explanation of what ADHD is.
To define ADHD in simple terms: it affects how a person self-regulates their thoughts, speech, actions and emotions. Here is how that can look for some people.
healthdirect describes ADHD as a neurodevelopmental (brain development) condition that begins in early childhood.
The Australian ADHD Guideline describes three presentations, based on whether the symptom threshold for inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity or both is met (AADPA).
For more detail, read what the types of ADHD are, our guide to ADHD traits and the ADHD variants A to Z.
Every person with ADHD is different. These are some experiences people describe at home, school and work.
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.
Make a referral →The Australian ADHD Guideline states ADHD is highly heritable in children and adults, with heritability estimated at 70–80%, and that a genome-wide association meta-analysis identified 12 independent genomic loci that increase susceptibility.
Around 6-8% of children and 3-5% of adults in Australia have ADHD, which means more than 1 million Australians, according to the Australian ADHD Guideline’s GP factsheet (AADPA).
Reading how others define ADHD can help you reflect, but a quiz cannot tell you whether you have it. Only a qualified professional can assess this.
If you have ADHD, you are not broken, and a strengths-aware approach recognises what you bring. Our guide to ADHD strengths and weaknesses goes deeper.
There is no medical opposite of ADHD. It is not a condition with an opposite condition.
These guides compare ADHD with other conditions. Only a qualified clinician can assess what applies to you.
ADHD is a difference to understand, not a person to fix. Read whether you can cure ADHD for more.
Good starting points are free and written by Australian bodies.
NDIS funding is conditional: it depends on whether you meet the NDIS access requirements. Check the eligibility information on the NDIS website for what applies to you.
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.
Make a referral →Understanding ADHD is the first step, and practical support at home often comes next. TQN Care provides NDIS support workers for personal care, community access, respite and help around the home, working to your routines and goals. Explore our NDIS services or make a referral, and we will call you to talk about what you or your family need. We offer everyday support, not diagnosis or treatment.
Yes. ADHD is a recognised neurodevelopmental condition that clinicians assess and help manage. It is not a character flaw. If you think it may apply to you or your child, talk to your GP about an assessment.
No. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a character flaw, and people with ADHD have strengths as well as challenges. If ADHD is making daily life hard, talk to your GP about assessment and the support options that may suit you.
healthdirect describes ADHD as a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning it relates to brain development and begins in early childhood. Only a qualified clinician can assess ADHD, and your GP is a good place to start if you have questions.
You cannot tell from a quiz. Write down examples of attention, restlessness and impulsivity across your life, and see your GP. A qualified clinician can assess you and explain whether ADHD fits and what support may help.
To define ADHD briefly, it is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in early childhood and affects the ability to self-regulate thoughts, speech, actions and emotions. healthdirect says around 1 in 20 people in Australia has ADHD.
There is no clinical opposite of ADHD. People sometimes use the phrase for someone who finds focus and routine easy, but that is just a different brain, not a condition. If you are concerned about your attention, ask your GP.
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