How ADHD symptoms evolve from childhood to adulthood: UAE experts explain

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that influences attention, impulse control, and the capacity to organise and manage tasks. Although it often begins in childhood, its signs shift with age, making recognition challenging—particularly when a person does not show the hyperactivity commonly associated with the disorder. For families in the UAE, understanding these changing patterns can be an important first step toward seeking help. Psychologists say misconceptions about behaviour, stigma concerns, and the cost of assessment can all hinder timely support.

Signs in early childhood

For younger children, symptoms of ADHD can become noticeable between ages three and six, according to Carolyn Yaffe, counsellor and cognitive behaviour therapist at Medcare Camali Clinic. A child may have trouble concentrating, become easily distracted, talk excessively, appear restless, or act without thinking. These behaviours often become more apparent when children start school and are expected to sit through lessons, follow instructions, and complete tasks within set timeframes.

But how can parents distinguish ordinary childhood restlessness from difficulties that may need professional attention? Yaffe emphasised that awareness is key. Behaviours that look like a lack of discipline may actually reflect problems with attention and impulse control. “ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, not simply a matter of behaviour or a lack of discipline. It affects a child’s ability to focus, manage impulses, and regulate activity levels, and can influence learning, behaviour, and social interactions,” she told Gulf News.

Yaffe warned against assuming all children with ADHD behave the same way. While some signs are easily noticeable, others are subtler. Girls, for instance, may struggle with concentration, learning, or social interactions without showing the more obvious hyperactivity often linked to ADHD. This can cause their challenges to be overlooked. Parents, teachers, and caregivers need to understand how the condition presents differently from child to child. Instead of jumping to conclusions about behaviour, families should observe persistent difficulties, communicate with the child’s school, and seek professional guidance when concerns arise. The goal is not to label a child but to understand their struggles and provide appropriate support at home, in the classroom, and in social settings.

Quiet inattentiveness versus hyperactivity

Not every child with ADHD disrupts lessons. Some sit quietly, appear distracted, and rarely draw attention to themselves. Zobia Amin, clinical psychologist at RAK Hospital, explained that this is one reason ADHD can be missed. “Some children, particularly those with predominantly inattentive symptoms, may appear quiet, distracted, or dreamy rather than disruptive,” she said. Because these children may not interrupt lessons or display obvious hyperactivity, their difficulties can go unnoticed. They may still struggle to remember instructions, keep track of belongings, or complete schoolwork.

As children become teenagers, the challenges take different forms. Managing multiple subjects, meeting deadlines, studying independently, and navigating relationships can become increasingly hard. Physical restlessness may be less obvious, while disorganisation, procrastination, and problems with emotional regulation become more prominent. “These challenges can be mistakenly attributed to laziness, poor discipline, excessive screen time, or the normal turbulence of adolescence,” Amin noted.

In adulthood, the difficulties may become woven into everyday routines. Managing household responsibilities, keeping appointments, organising finances, and balancing work with family life can require considerable effort. Some adults experience chronic overwhelm, impulsive decisions, or inconsistent performance. Importantly, Amin stressed that ADHD does not suddenly develop in adulthood, even if it is diagnosed later in life. “A person who did not have ADHD symptoms in childhood, even when their history is explored through an interview, might have anxiety or any other issues with similar symptoms, but it cannot be ADHD,” she explained. Support should be tailored to each individual’s needs and may include psychological assessment and therapy, family support, medication when appropriate, and adjustments at school or work.

Barriers to assessment and support in the UAE

Recognising the signs is only part of the challenge. For some families and adults in the UAE, seeking an assessment raises concerns about cost, stigma, and what a diagnosis might mean for the future. Vinusha Kandaswamy, clinical psychologist at Prime Hospital, pointed out that ADHD affects executive functioning—the mental skills that help people plan, organise, manage time, and complete tasks. In adults, symptoms such as forgetfulness, procrastination, poor concentration, and missed deadlines may be attributed to stress, anxiety, depression, or sleep problems. Some people also develop coping strategies that mask their difficulties, delaying recognition of the condition.

Kandaswamy noted that ADHD has a strong genetic component and is a recognised neurodevelopmental condition, not the result of poor parenting or lack of effort. Yet misconceptions persist. Parents may fear their child will be labelled, while adults may worry about judgement at work or in social circles. The cost of assessments and variable insurance coverage create additional barriers. “ADHD is not a sign of low intelligence, poor discipline, or personal failure. It is a manageable neurodevelopmental condition that deserves understanding, not judgment,” said Kandaswamy.

Addressing these concerns requires better public awareness and more accessible services. She called for culturally sensitive assessments, affordable psychological services, and stronger collaboration between healthcare professionals, educators, and families. In the UAE, appropriately qualified clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, paediatricians, occupational therapists, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams can support assessment and management.

Moving beyond stereotypes

ADHD does not have one defining behaviour. A restless child, a quiet student, or an adult who struggles with deadlines cannot be diagnosed on those signs alone. The important question is whether difficulties with attention, impulsivity, activity levels, or organisation persist and interfere with everyday functioning. Experts have emphasised that assessment is about understanding a person’s needs, not assigning blame. With appropriate support, people with ADHD can develop strategies to manage daily responsibilities, build on their strengths, and improve their quality of life. Recognising that the signs change over time is an important step toward ensuring that children, teenagers, and adults are not overlooked.