Anonymous
Post 04/20/2026 16:38     Subject: Discerning ADHD
Anonymous wrote:ADHD isn't really about energy. It is an executive functioning disorder. It is more about not being able to plan or organize or manage time or focus on keeping track of things (working memory) or getting distracted. It isn't about too much go, it is about not enough stop and the challenge with mental inhibition. The hyperactivity is more of a mental or physical overstimulation than just high energy. It often affects friendships and the ability to function well at school or in sports or in other activities as the executive function center struggles.

This. Also "getting distracted" means failing to exercise control over thoughts and actions - looking at the shiny thing instead of the thing you should be looking at. Once you think about ADHD as a lack of energy or control, it makes sense why stimulants are the first line of treatment. It takes energy to break through inertia and mobilize yourself, within a time frame, towards a goal. This is what stimulant meds help with.
Anonymous
Post 04/20/2026 15:39     Subject: Re:Discerning ADHD
If you're not looking for services at school or medication, why would it matter as to whether behaviors and traits are attributable to a medical condition versus just being on the margins of typical? I mean, regardless of which basket a behavior or trait falls into, presumably you would react the same way.
Anonymous
Post 04/20/2026 13:51     Subject: Discerning ADHD
You pay for a private neuropsych evaluation. High energy alone isn't enough to justify the cost of the evaluation, though.
Anonymous
Post 04/20/2026 12:59     Subject: Discerning ADHD
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:How does an ordinary parent distinguish between a normal high energy kid and one with ADHD?

Just trying to understand my DC, and NOT looking to get an IEP or 504 or diagnosis.


Well, most parents would get a qualified medical professional to make a diagnosis. But since you're not interested in that...I suppose you could just flip a coin.


We have been cautioned that in our area many "qualified medical professionals" will almost always diagnose something -- even if a kid really is in the normal range -- because they think parents want documentation for an 504 or IEP filing.

Anonymous
Post 04/20/2026 12:54     Subject: Discerning ADHD
Anonymous wrote:When the entire preschool class can handle circle time but one kid can’t and is running around the room, that kid will likely later be diagnosed with ADHD.

You can tell more easily as the kids get older but not being able to meet age appropriate expectations for self regulation and focus is a sign.


This also is helpful.
Anonymous
Post 04/20/2026 12:54     Subject: Discerning ADHD
Anonymous wrote:ADHD isn't really about energy. It is an executive functioning disorder. It is more about not being able to plan or organize or manage time or focus on keeping track of things (working memory) or getting distracted. It isn't about too much go, it is about not enough stop and the challenge with mental inhibition. The hyperactivity is more of a mental or physical overstimulation than just high energy. It often affects friendships and the ability to function well at school or in sports or in other activities as the executive function center struggles.


This is very helpful.
Anonymous
Post 04/20/2026 12:12     Subject: Discerning ADHD
Anonymous wrote:When the entire preschool class can handle circle time but one kid can’t and is running around the room, that kid will likely later be diagnosed with ADHD.

You can tell more easily as the kids get older but not being able to meet age appropriate expectations for self regulation and focus is a sign.


This is a good real like example. We brought in a mini rocking chair for my son to sit in on the edge of the carpet for circle time.
Anonymous
Post 04/20/2026 12:08     Subject: Discerning ADHD
High energy was not a flag for my ADHD kid. It had nothing to do with his diagnosis.
Anonymous
Post 04/20/2026 11:32     Subject: Discerning ADHD
Anonymous wrote:ADHD isn't really about energy. It is an executive functioning disorder. It is more about not being able to plan or organize or manage time or focus on keeping track of things (working memory) or getting distracted. It isn't about too much go, it is about not enough stop and the challenge with mental inhibition. The hyperactivity is more of a mental or physical overstimulation than just high energy. It often affects friendships and the ability to function well at school or in sports or in other activities as the executive function center struggles.


This

Try reading a book about it OP. Its not just about their activity or energy level.
Anonymous
Post 04/20/2026 11:31     Subject: Discerning ADHD
When the entire preschool class can handle circle time but one kid can’t and is running around the room, that kid will likely later be diagnosed with ADHD.

You can tell more easily as the kids get older but not being able to meet age appropriate expectations for self regulation and focus is a sign.
Anonymous
Post 04/19/2026 19:51     Subject: Discerning ADHD
ADHD isn't really about energy. It is an executive functioning disorder. It is more about not being able to plan or organize or manage time or focus on keeping track of things (working memory) or getting distracted. It isn't about too much go, it is about not enough stop and the challenge with mental inhibition. The hyperactivity is more of a mental or physical overstimulation than just high energy. It often affects friendships and the ability to function well at school or in sports or in other activities as the executive function center struggles.
Anonymous
Post 04/19/2026 19:51     Subject: Discerning ADHD
Anonymous wrote:How does an ordinary parent distinguish between a normal high energy kid and one with ADHD?

Just trying to understand my DC, and NOT looking to get an IEP or 504 or diagnosis.


Well, most parents would get a qualified medical professional to make a diagnosis. But since you're not interested in that...I suppose you could just flip a coin.
Anonymous
Post 04/19/2026 19:48     Subject: Discerning ADHD
Elementary school age
Anonymous
Post 04/19/2026 19:47     Subject: Discerning ADHD
How old? It's really hard when they are young, but the older they get, the more a non ADHD kid should be able to regulate their attention and behavior to fit the expectations of the setting.
Anonymous
Post 04/19/2026 19:44     Subject: Discerning ADHD
How does an ordinary parent distinguish between a normal high energy kid and one with ADHD?

Just trying to understand my DC, and NOT looking to get an IEP or 504 or diagnosis.