I Think My Child Has ADHD - Now What?
Published: 1 Sep 2025
At Neural Connections, we understand the challenges of raising children who are neurodiverse. In our latest blog series, we will be sharing tips to empower parents and families so that you can make the best decision for your neurodiverse child.
Something common that we hear from parents who bring their children to Neural Connections is, “I suspect my child has ADHD”, especially if they have been struggling in school or have been getting complaints from teachers.
Studies estimate that about 5% of school-going children in Singapore may have ADHD. In addition, 24% of the 1,500 new cases at the Institute of Mental Health’s child guidance clinic in 2023 were ADHD cases.[1]
As parenting attitudes shift to become more aware and understanding of developmental challenges, we want to empower parents and help you make the best decisions for your child.
What exactly is ADHD?
ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is defined in the DSM-5 ( the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth edition, 2022 often used by mental health professionals in the US) as a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development. The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months in 2 or more settings, for example at home and school.[2]
What are some of the common symptoms of ADHD?
Children who are diagnosed with ADHD often present with the following symptoms:
Poor listening skills
Loses/Misplaces items needed to complete tasks or activities
Forgets daily activities
Diminished attention span
Difficulty waiting their turn
Squirms when seated or fidgets a lot
Always wants to be on the go
Incapable of staying seated for longer periods
As a result, these children often feel stressed out and struggle in academic settings where they are expected to sit still, follow instructions and pay attention. If you notice these behaviours in your child, and suspect that your child might have ADHD, here’s some DO’s and DON’Ts that we’ve put together based on our experience working with children and families:
DOs:
Do observe your child’s behaviour in different settings: As children develop, their behaviours may look different over time. Spend some time observing your child’s actions. ADHD often presents with other conditions like anxiety, or learning disabilities or challenges like dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, dyspraxia. Watch for differences in your child’s behaviour depending on timing, location and the people around them. Notice if there is a pattern and these behaviours are more present during certain periods of time.
Do work on the foundation - the nervous system and integrating the reflexes: When we work on integrating the reflexes, we are helping the body build its own capability. The MNRI treatment that we offer at Neural Connections targets underdeveloped or unintegrated reflex patterns. This results in improved coordination, cognitive function, and a more regulated nervous system. All of these help with the challenges that might present with ADHD.
Do use the diagnosis as a tool for making changes in your child’s life: Many parents often rush into wanting a diagnosis. If you want your child to access school support like early intervention, having a diagnosis can be helpful. However, if you feel you already understand your child’s needs quite well, the assessment report is unlikely to guide your decision-making. A diagnosis in this situation may be unnecessary as it is a stressful process for the child and the parents. In addition, a child’s sense of self or their confidence might be affected, especially around being “different” from other children or their siblings, if they are not given proper support around their diagnosis. In addition, a diagnosis could also have implications on insurance applications later on.
Do consider making lifestyle changes: Reassess your child’s current routine. A child with ADHD symptoms and behaviour is often a child whose nervous system is under a lot of internal stress. Understanding the needs and adjusting expectations of your child or communicating with teachers about setting goals that are realistic can help reduce the pressure the child feels is on their system. Being outdoors in nature lowers stress hormones like cortisol, and getting lots of natural light not only boosts serotonin (the happy hormone) but also helps reset the body’s natural circadian rhythm. All of these can lead to reduced stress, better sleep and better overall mental health and wellbeing.
DON’Ts:
Don’t be quick to use labels: Children with ADHD are unable to control their behaviour, unable to control their hyperactivity or impulsive behaviour. Instead of labelling their behaviour as “naughty” or misbehaving, we should seek to understand and realise that their brains are wired differently.
Don’t rush to medicate: Choosing to medicate is not an easy decision for parents. While medication is definitely helpful, it is also a process that takes trial and error. It might take some time to figure out the right dosage and medication(s) that work best for your child. Medication needs might also need to change as children age or experience transitions like moving countries, moving up grade levels, or growth phases like the onset of adolescence and puberty. We encourage considering holistic options such as proper nutrition, lifestyle changes, or somatic therapy alongside medication.
When raising children with developmental challenges or who are neurodiverse, plenty of love and patience is definitely key. As parents, we want to do what is right and what is best for our children. With so much competing advice out there, it can often be overwhelming for parents. Taking the time to gather and consolidate information, pause and observe your child can help you gain clarity over the best course of action for your child and your family. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all of the options that are available to you, schedule a complimentary Discovery Call with us at Neural Connections today - we’d be most happy to help!
At Neural Connections, we focus on offering treatment and protocols to help neurodiverse children regulate their emotions and behaviour better. Schedule a Discovery Call with us today to see if we can help.
References
[2] American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision. Washington DC: American Psychiatric Association, 2022. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
