ADHD in toddlers: Signs & support for Australian families

All toddlers can be loud, distracted, or emotionally intense. These behaviours are a normal part of early development.

However, some children consistently display behaviours that are more persistent, intense, or difficult to manage compared to others their age. This can raise questions about whether these might be early signs of ADHD.

Although most diagnoses occur after children begin school, recognising patterns early allows families and educators to respond with understanding and practical support, rather than confusion or blame.

This guide explores how ADHD may present in toddlers, how symptoms typically evolve, and what support is available across Australia at each stage of the journey.

ADHD recap

ADHD, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, emotional regulation, and impulse control. In young children, these symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from typical behaviour, but when they’re frequent, intense, and affect daily functioning, they may suggest ADHD.

Previously known as ADD (attention-deficit disorder), the condition is now classified under ADHD in the DSM-5, with three presentations:

• Predominantly inattentive

• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive

• Combined presentation

Why does ADHD occur?

There’s no single factor that causes ADHD, and it’s definitely not caused by poor parenting, diet, or screen time (unlike what some people assume).

It’s most often the result of inherited differences in brain structure and chemistry, especially in areas related to attention and executive function. Factors that may contribute include:

• Family history of ADHD or other neurodevelopmental conditions

• Premature birth or low birth weight

• Prenatal exposure to stress, alcohol, or tobacco

• Co-occurring conditions such as autism, speech delay, or learning difficulties

These influences don’t cause ADHD on their own, but they may increase the likelihood or affect how symptoms present.

What does ADHD usually look like in toddlers?

Recognising early signs of ADHD in toddlers isn’t always easy. Many behaviours overlap with normal development. But when certain patterns persist and affect sleep, relationships, or safety, they may suggest a need for further observation.

Inattention

• Doesn’t stay with one activity long

• Appears not to listen, even when spoken to directly

• Struggles to follow simple instructions

• Dislikes tasks that require focus, even short ones like puzzles

Hyperactivity

• Constantly in motion, often unsafely

• Can't sit still during meals or storytime

• Loud and noisy, even in calm settings

• Moves rapidly between toys or spaces

Impulsivity

• Interrupts others, grabs items, pushes without warning

• Reacts without thinking, runs off or climbs without caution

• Difficulty taking turns, even in short games

• Meltdowns that escalate quickly and are hard to soothe

Co-occurring behaviours

• Speech delay: Not a core symptom, but may signal another neurodevelopmental difference

• Emotional extremes: Anger, frustration, or sadness that arrives quickly and lasts longer than typical

• Poor sleep patterns: Trouble settling, frequent waking, daytime crankiness from overtiredness

These signs aren’t about a child being naughty. They reflect how their brain is wired, and how much effort everyday routines may take.

ADHD in girls

ADHD often looks different in girls than in boys. Girls are more likely to show the inattentive presentation, appearing distracted, anxious, or emotionally sensitive rather than overtly hyperactive.

As a result, ADHD in girls is often missed in early childhood, and many are not diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood. Even in toddlers, quieter signs may include:

• Difficulty staying on task during play

• Avoidance of group play or resistance to routine

• Sensitivity to textures, sound, or transitions

Parents and carers should watch for these subtler traits, especially if there is a family history of ADHD or other neurodivergence.

ADHD in toddlers vs adults

Understanding how ADHD presents in toddlers compared to adults can help parents recognise the difference between typical behaviour and early signs of ADHD.

While a toddler may not be formally diagnosed until age four or later, noticing these patterns early can help guide intervention. Adults and children may share core symptoms, but how they express them can look quite different depending on developmental stage and life context.

How to test ADHD in toddlers?

There is no single test for ADHD. In toddlers, assessment is based on developmental observations rather than formal testing.

Most Australian specialists do not diagnose ADHD before age four, as symptoms must be present across settings and consistent for at least six months. If your child is four or older, you’d benefit from this guide on getting an ADHD diagnosis.

If your child is less than four but you’re concerned, you can speak to your GP, paediatrician, or child psychologist to begin documenting behaviours and considering early intervention options.

How to support a toddler showing ADHD traits

1. Act early

If your child is showing signs that align with ADHD symptoms in kids, early intervention services like the NDIS Early Childhood Early Intervention program can help. You don’t actually need a formal diagnosis to access support.

2. Build flexible, visual routines

Visual schedules and predictable daily rhythms can help toddlers feel more secure and less overwhelmed. Use picture charts, countdowns, and consistent phrases to support transitions.

3. Create a low-stimulation environment

A tidy, quiet space with soft lighting and sensory tools can reduce overstimulation. It might also help to set movement breaks and offer calming tools like fidget toys, chewables, or a weighted cushion.

4. Use emotion coaching

Rather than punishing big emotions, help your child name and manage them. Use statements like “You’re feeling upset because we have to stop playing,” and offer comfort strategies like hugs, movement, or breathing together.

5. Collaborate with early educators and support networks

Sharing what works at home and listening to feedback from daycare or preschool staff creates a more consistent and supportive environment for your child. Moreover, it’s worth checking the following resources for more support:

• ADHD Foundation: adhdfoundation.org.au

• Raising Children Network: raisingchildren.net.au

• ADHD Support Australia: adhdsupportaustralia.com.au

• Talked therapists specialising in ADHD: talked.com.au/therapists/adhd

6. Support your own mental health

It’s common for parents to experience burnout or something like depleted mother syndrome. It’s vital to seek support for yourself, whether that means counselling, support groups, or simply asking for help from trusted people in your life.

Final thoughts

Toddlers with ADHD traits have brains that function differently, often in ways that require more structure, patience, and flexibility.

By recognising early signs of ADHD, adapting the home or classroom environment, and accessing professional support, families and educators can create a strong foundation for the years ahead.

There’s no need to wait for a formal diagnosis to take action, especially when daily routines feel overwhelming or unpredictable.

Trust your instincts, ask for help early, and know that support is available.