🧠 Ask The Expert: ADHD Awareness – Spotting Early Signs in Kids

Hi Mummy, thanks for sharing. Yes, many boys are naturally more active than girls, but if your son truly can’t sit still at all, struggles to follow through on simple tasks, or the energy is so intense it’s affecting routines or making daily life feel harder, it’s okay to go for a check. It’s ok if he is more energetic than his friends - children with ADHD can do very well in sports and with the right support, even in school and life beyond. Trust your instincts as a mum, you are doing very well looking out for thim.

Hi Vivian, thank you for sharing that. Yes, ADHD does tend to run in families (although it can be acquired too), and many parents only realize they might have traits themselves when they see similar patterns in their kids. You’re right - being “naughty” back then might have just been your way of coping with all that restlessness inside. The fact that you turned out okay shows how resilient you are, but it also doesn’t mean your childhood was easy. If your child is showing signs now, checking early just gives them a smoother path and the kind of support we didn’t always get growing up. Thanks for being curious in your child!

Hi Mummy. The short answer is no - sugar doesn’t cause ADHD. However, sugar can spike our kids' energy levels and crash them quickly. If your girl is diagnosed with ADHD or have strong symptoms of ADHD, sugar can make her behaviors more intense. That doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong by giving her sweets - introducing them moderately is fine. What matters most is frequency and a balanced lifestyle for her - stable routines, enough sleep, balanced diet, and time to move and play all have a bigger impact on your child’s development than the occasional slice of cake.

Hi Christina, thanks for your question. At age 3, it’s still a little early for a formal ADHD diagnosis. The ideal earliest age is between 6 and 7, but for some kids with very obvious signs, we can see them earlier (4 to 5 year old). At age 3, some restlessness and impulsiveness are still part of normal development, but if it feels like your child really can’t slow down, switches from one thing to another non-stop, and it’s affecting day-to-day routines, it’s okay to get a professional opinion. At this age, parenting support is just as important as a diagnosis. You’re doing the right thing by asking early and trusting your mummy instincts!

Hi Mummy, if that question keeps coming back to you, it's probably worth checking - not because something is definitely wrong, but because your gut is telling you something feels off. Some kids are naturally active, but if he truly can’t sit still even for short moments like meals, storytime, or quiet play, and it’s making daily routines stressful, then getting him checked can bring clarity. It’s not about giving him a label - it’s about understanding him better, and knowing how to support him so he can excel in school and in life. You’re doing the right thing just by paying attention to your boy. Thanks for asking!

Hi Mummy, thanks for reaching out. First of all the fact that you’re thinking about this now already shows how much love and intention you’re putting into parenting. ADHD isn’t something you can fully prevent - it’s influenced by a mix of genetics and how the brain develops over time (can be acquired through brain injuries, but very rare). What you can do now, is create the best possible environment for your baby’s brain to grow strong and steady. That means things like calm bonding in the early months, lots of face-to-face interaction, good sleep, predictable routines, and low-stress caregiving. You don’t need to do perfect parenting because it doesn't exist. You're already doing great just by asking this question!

Hi Mummy, thanks for reaching out! Most first-time parents feel this way. There’s no manual for parenting, and every child is different. What matters is that you’re paying attention, asking questions, and trying to understand your child better - that already makes a huge difference. If you ever feel unsure about their behaviour, development, or emotions, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Getting support doesn’t mean you’ve failed - it just means you care enough to want to do right by your child. You’re doing better than you think!

Hi Mummy, thanks for your question. If you’re concerned about your child’s behaviour, focus, or emotions - a child psychologist is usually the better starting point. Paediatricians are great for checking physical health and development, but psychologists go deeper into things like attention, emotions, and how your child is coping day to day. That said, if you’re already seeing a paediatrician for regular checkups, you can also bring it up there first - and they might refer you to a psychologist if needed. Either way, you’re not wrong to ask. It just depends on what you want to understand better.

Hi Dawn, thanks for your question. Yes, some foods and excessive screen time can make ADHD symptoms more intense. Some kids are more sensitive to certain food additives, preservatives, or sugar spikes, which might lead to mood swings or energy crashes. It doesn’t mean sugar is bad, but balancing their intake (with other healthy foods) and frequency can help with steadier focus and behavior. Same with screen time - too much overstimulation can make it harder for kids with ADHD to regulate their focus and emotions, especially after fast-paced or highly stimulating content. On the flip side, fish oil or foods rich in omega-3s, particularly EPA and DHA may help with attention, focus, and emotional regulation - the effects won't be as significant as medication but it's an alternative if you prefer a non-medication approach with less side effects. So while food and screens don’t directly cause ADHD, they definitely affect their behaviors!

Hi Mummy, thanks for your question. ADHD and autism are not the same, but they can sometimes look similar in young kids. ADHD is mainly about challenges with attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity. Autism is more about how a child communicates, socialises, and responds to routines or sensory experiences. Kids with ADHD often struggle to stick to routines, while autistic kids may rely heavily on them to feel safe. Some children have both, which is why getting a proper assessment is important. The support really depends on what your child actually needs - and asking early helps you give them the right kind of help.