Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

When parents walk into the clinic with concerns such as, “My child can’t sit still,” or “He drifts away even during simple tasks,” they are often expressing far more than observable behaviour. Dr. Rajeshwari Ganesh, one of Mumbai’s most trusted Developmental & Behavioral Pediatricians, frequently supports families who are seeking clarity amid worry and confusion about their child’s attention and behaviour.

Recent pediatric data from India suggests that approximately 1 in 20 children show signs of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). As awareness increases across homes and schools, more families are turning to an experienced ADHD specialist in Mumbai to better understand their child’s attention patterns, behavioural regulation, and learning profile.

ADHD is not bad behaviour.
It is not a parenting failure.
It is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how children regulate attention, control impulses, and manage energy levels. With the right diagnosis and individualized support, children with ADHD can thrive in academics, social relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

Attention Deficit

What Is Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder?

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition involving differences in how the brain regulates attention, impulse control, emotional modulation, and executive functioning. ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, lack of discipline, or low intelligence.

It commonly presents as:

  • - Difficulty sustaining attention
  • - Poor task completion
  • - Impulsivity and emotional reactivity
  • - Hyperactivity or internal restlessness

ADHD can be predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or combined, and symptoms vary significantly across age and individuals.

The Many Faces of ADHD

ADHD does not look the same in everyone. Some children are visibly hyperactive and impulsive, while others are quiet, distracted, or emotionally overwhelmed. Adults may experience chronic disorganization, time blindness, burnout, or persistent self-doubt.

Gender, cultural expectations, intelligence, and coping strategies influence how ADHD manifests. Girls and high-functioning adults are especially likely to be overlooked, leading to delayed diagnosis.

“Is My Brain Different?” – When Awareness Begins

Many adults begin questioning ADHD when:

  • - They realize not everyone struggles to focus the same way
  • - A child’s ADHD diagnosis mirrors their own lifelong patterns
  • - Life responsibilities become overwhelming
  • - Mental fog and unfinished tasks accumulate

This slow dawning realization often raises the question: “Could my brain work differently?” That question is not a weakness—it is the beginning of clarity.

Should You Get Tested for ADHD?

Testing is often the next step once ADHD is suspected. A formal evaluation helps differentiate ADHD from other conditions and provides a clear roadmap for management.

However, testing may not be required if:

  • - Symptoms are mild
  • - You are not considering medication
  • - A previous diagnosis already exists
  • - You prefer to begin therapy-focused symptom management

The decision to test should always be individualized.

Unmasking the Real Issue: Why Specialized Evaluation Matters

Symptoms like poor focus, impulsivity, restlessness, or emotional dysregulation are not exclusive to ADHD. They can also occur in:

  • - Anxiety disorders
  • - Depression
  • - Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • - Bipolar disorder
  • - Sleep disorders

Although these conditions may look similar on the surface, their causes and treatments are very different. This is why a specialized ADHD evaluation is essential before starting treatment.

Who Can Diagnose ADHD?

Several professionals can assess ADHD, each with a different role:

Psychologists
Psychologists have the widest range of diagnostic tools, including neuropsychological testing, cognitive assessments, symptom questionnaires, and detailed interviews. They are ideal when symptoms are complex or overlapping.

Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists typically use clinical interviews and symptom scales and are well suited when medication management is a priority.

General Physicians
General practitioners may diagnose straightforward cases but often lack the time or tools to differentiate ADHD from similar conditions.

Choosing the right professional depends on symptom complexity, age, and treatment goals.

Is There One Definitive Test for ADHD?

No. ADHD cannot be diagnosed with a blood test or scan. Diagnosis is based on:

  • - Current symptom patterns
  • - Childhood history
  • - Functional impact across settings
  • - Cognitive and neurodevelopmental processing

ADHD assessment is a comprehensive clinical process rather than a single test.

ADHD Tests vs ADHD Evaluation

An ADHD evaluation includes multiple components. Some tests focus specifically on attention and impulse control, while others assess learning, memory, emotional functioning, and executive skills. Together, they create a complete picture of strengths and challenges.

Types of ADHD Evaluations

Comprehensive Evaluation
Assesses neurocognitive and psychological functioning in detail and provides personalized recommendations. Duration: 6–10 hours.

Neuropsychological Evaluation
Focuses heavily on brain processing, memory, speed, and executive function. Duration: 5–7 hours.

Diagnostic Evaluation
Includes symptom questionnaires, interviews, and brief cognitive measures. Often highly accurate and cost-effective. Duration: 1–2 hours.

How ADHD Is Tested

Clinical Interview
Explores current concerns, developmental history, lifestyle, and emotional patterns.

Symptom Questionnaires
Standardized tools assessing childhood and adult ADHD traits.

Neuropsychological Measures
Evaluate attention, memory, processing speed, and task-switching. Often feel like puzzles or games.

Psychoeducational Measures
Assess learning styles and academic challenges. Useful for school or college accommodations.

What to Expect If You Get Tested

The testing process usually includes:

  • Choosing the appropriate professional
  • Discussing evaluation options
  • Completing questionnaires in advance
  • Scoring and interpretation
  • A feedback session with a detailed report and recommendations

Results are typically available within 1–3 weeks.

FAQs – Questions Parents Commonly Ask

Q. Can adults be diagnosed with ADHD?

Answer: Yes. Many adults are diagnosed only after life demands increase.

Q. Is ADHD caused by bad parenting?

Answer: No. ADHD is neurobiological.

Q. Does everyone with ADHD need medication?

Answer: Not always. Behavioral therapy and environmental strategies can be very effective.

Q. Can ADHD coexist with anxiety or depression?

Answer: Yes, and this makes proper evaluation even more important.

Q. Can children with ADHD succeed academically?

Answer: Absolutely—with appropriate support and intervention.

Parent Experiences

Parent from Andheri

“We finally understood our son’s struggles — the explanation was so compassionate and clear.”

Mother of an 8-year-old

“Her behaviour strategies worked like magic. Homework is no longer a daily battle.”

Father of a 12-year-old

“For the first time, we felt hopeful. The diagnosis was accurate and the plan was practical.”

ADHD does not define a child — it helps explain how their brain works. With early diagnosis, targeted intervention, and compassionate guidance, children with ADHD can excel academically, socially, and emotionally.

More parents today are seeking scientifically grounded ADHD Specialist Mumbai evaluations to ensure their children receive timely support and structured intervention.

With her global training, extensive experience, and warm, child-centered approach, Dr. Rajeshwari Ganesh continues to be one of Mumbai’s most trusted specialists for ADHD diagnosis and management.


Contact Dr. Rajeshwari Ganesh — Begin Your Child’s ADHD Journey with Confidence

Taking the first step may feel overwhelming — but the right specialist can turn confusion into clarity and frustration into progress.


Pinnacle Child Development Clinic, 202, 2nd Floor, Kanaiya Building, Opp. Airtel Store, Linking Road, Bandra West, Mumbai – 400050
📞 +91 77000 58024
📧 ganesh.ramaa@gmail.com
🌐 https://www.drrajeshwariganesh.com
🕒 Open: 24×7 × 365 Days