How does ADHD manifest in different age groups?
ADHD in children and information you may not have known
Whether you're a parent or a teacher observing a restless or inattentive child, you may have wondered if ADHD could be behind their behavior.
Perhaps you've read dozens of articles, discussed your observations with friends, or even consulted psychologists, yet you still don't have a clear answer. If you lean towards more sensitive and alternative approaches to parenting and seek a deeper understanding, you're in the right place.
This article is the third installment in our ADHD series - this time, we're bringing more useful information to help you better understand how ADHD manifests across different stages of life.
What will you learn?
- How ADHD presents in preschoolers, school-aged children, teenagers, and adults
- How to improve focus and concentration
- How herbs can support both children and adults with ADHD
What is the definition of ADHD?
To briefly recap, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is primarily a neurodevelopmental difference that affects attention, emotional regulation, and impulsivity. It is often associated with childhood, but in reality, it persists throughout life—its symptoms simply evolve with age.
What appears as constant running around and switching activities in young children may later manifest as difficulties with time management, forgetfulness, or inner restlessness in adulthood. You may be asking yourself:
How do I know if I have ADHD?, What are the typical signs of ADHD?, At what age can ADHD be diagnosed?, How does ADHD present in adulthood?
Today, we'll break these questions down one by one.
ALSO READ: We explored ADHD symptoms in detail in the first part of this series. We also discussed natural support methods and alternative perspectives on ADHD in the article Are we at the beginning of an ADHD and autism epidemic? ?Feel free to revisit our previous articles for a complete picture of this topic.
In today's article, we’ll examine how ADHD manifests at different life stages and offer concrete tips on how to respond sensitively. If this topic affects you or someone close to you, know that you're not alone—there are ways to perceive ADHD not just as a challenge but as a unique aspect of personality that can be managed with understanding and support. While we can't change the past, we can shape the present.
ADHD in preschoolers (ages 3-6)
Signs of ADHD can emerge as early as preschool. A child may struggle to maintain attention during play, frequently switch activities, be overly active, and become easily distracted.
They often interrupt others, respond impulsively, and speak without waiting for their turn. These behaviors can lead to frequent conflicts with peers and frustration for the child, who may feel misunderstood.
Beyond attention difficulties, children with ADHD often display intense emotional reactions—they may get easily upset, swing between excitement and frustration, and be highly sensitive to changes. Parents often wonder whether their child's restlessness is normal or if it might be ADHD. If you're unsure, you can try a free online ADHD test to gain a better understanding of its symptoms. Such tests are readily available online.
🌿 Support Tip: A natural way to bring more calmness to your child is through Bach essences customized to their individual needs. These can help harmonize emotions, ease inner conflicts, and bring a sense of balance. Reach out to us—we'd be happy to help you.
ADHD in school-age children (ages 6-12)
School years bring new challenges—children with ADHD must adapt to structured environments, focus on lessons, complete assignments, and follow rules. However, for children with attention disorders, this can be difficult.
They often forget school supplies, struggle to pay attention in class, procrastinate on homework, and get easily distracted. Impulsivity may appear as blurting out answers, interrupting others, or struggling to wait for their turn.
Emotional regulation is another major challenge. Children with ADHD may experience rapid mood swings, frustration when things don't go their way, and difficulties in peer relationships due to misunderstandings about their behavior. Parents and teachers can help by establishing clear routines, supporting time management, and teaching emotional regulation strategies.
🌿 Support Tip: Children struggling with inattention and impulsivity may benefit from Bach essences for Kids, which help them cope better with the school environment and improve focus. Each child is unique, and we are happy to help you select the best options. Also, don't forget about Liquid Vitamin C with probiotics and prebiotics, which supports gut health—our second brain!
ADHD in teenagers (ages 12-18)
Teenage years bring natural behavioral changes, but for adolescents with ADHD, these fluctuations can be even more intense. ADHD symptoms in teens often include difficulty with time management, forgetfulness, impulsive decision-making, and trouble completing tasks. Procrastination is common due to challenges in sustaining attention on less stimulating activities. Many teens with ADHD struggle with academic performance, leading to frustration and lower self-esteem.
Adding to the challenge, teenagers today spend excessive time on their phones, where they:
- Artificially "dose" dopamine (a neurotransmitter linked to motivation and reward that, when overproduced, can lead to addiction and reduced focus),
- Overload their minds with unnecessary information,
- Constantly compare themselves to others, unknowingly causing additional emotional distress.
Tough times, right? But don’t worry - we have solutions.
Beyond cognitive difficulties, teens with ADHD often experience emotional swings, from excitement to sudden irritation, demotivation, and heightened stress sensitivity. Parents may notice their teen struggles with emotional control, reacts strongly to criticism, or seeks adrenaline-fueled experiences. It’s importantl to support self-regulation, set boundaries, and build healthy self-esteem.
🌿 Support tip: Teens who need to calm their minds and manage emotional swings can benefit from M.E.G therapy dr. Bach - Acute crisis - SOS drops, which provide almost immediate relief. It's a good idea to keep them in their backpack for exams or tests.
ADHD in adults (18+ years)
Now, for a fact you might not want to hear—many people believe ADHD is purely a childhood condition, but in reality, it persists into adulthood—it just manifests differently.
ADHD in adults often presents as forgetfulness, disorganization, difficulty planning, and trouble meeting deadlines.
Adults with ADHD may feel overwhelmed by information, get easily distracted, and struggle to maintain focus on long-term tasks. Impulsivity can show up in decision-making, communication, or financial management.
Another common trait is emotional instability—adults with ADHD may have mood swings, heightened stress sensitivity, and frequent frustration. Many struggle with chronic procrastination, leading to feelings of failure and low self-esteem.
🌿 Support tip for adults: Looking for ways to reduce stress, calm your mind, or improve concentration? M.E.G therapy dr. Bach - Acute crisis - SOS drops provide immediate relief. However, if you’re facing challenges in multiple areas and want long-term support, try M.E.G therapy dr. Bach - Customized drops.
Whether ADHD affects you, your child, or someone close to you, the key to managing it lies in understanding, patience, and the right support. Each age group faces different challenges – from focusing at school to organizing daily life in adulthood. In addition to routine adjustments and self-regulation techniques, natural methods can also help gently harmonize emotions and support mental stability.
If you're looking for an effective solution for a specific issue and are interested in Bach flower remedies, download our FREE e-book. We've compiled a wealth of valuable information not only about ADHD but also about other topics that can help you navigate daily life with Bach remedies at hand.