My Child Has ADHD Too — Signs, Diagnosis and How I Navigate It as an ADHD Mom

It was a parent-teacher meeting like hundreds of others. My daughter's teacher spoke carefully about inattentiveness, daydreaming, difficulty following the lesson. And I remember the moment I realised: I know this. I know this from myself.

I had only just received my own diagnosis. And now I was sitting there, recognising my nine-year-old daughter in every sentence the teacher said.

ADHD is strongly hereditary — what that means

ADHD is one of the most heritable mental health conditions: studies show heritability of around 70–80 percent. If a parent has ADHD, the probability is significant that at least one child will also have ADHD. That's not an accusation — that's genetics. What it means: if you yourself have an ADHD diagnosis, it's worth looking at your children's behaviour with informed eyes.

Signs that your child might have ADHD

Going through the diagnostic process

For children and young people, ADHD is typically diagnosed by child and adolescent psychiatrists or paediatricians with a specialisation in neurodevelopment. The path: start with your GP or paediatrician, then a referral to a specialist. The diagnosis is based on conversations, questionnaires for parents and teachers, and behavioural observations. Waiting times can be long — it's worth getting onto several waiting lists at the same time.

Supporting an ADHD child as an ADHD mom

Your strength: you understand your child from the inside

You know what it feels like to try hard and still fall behind. You won't judge — you'll understand. Children who know that someone at home understands how their brain works grow up with a fundamental sense of security.

The challenge: two dysregulated brains

Your child is melting down — and you're already at your limit. That's not a failure. What helps: "We're both overwhelmed right now. Let's both take a short break." And: building systems that don't depend on how either of you feels on a given day — for you and for your child.

"Your child is lucky to have a mother who understands."