Starting school is a milestone filled with excitement, nerves, and big transitions—for both children and their parents. But what happens when your child just doesn’t seem to settle in? Maybe they come home exhausted, act out in new ways, or struggle to follow simple routines. You might start to wonder: Is this just a normal adjustment… or is something more going on?

Sometimes, the structure and demands of school bring hidden challenges to light, especially when a child has undiagnosed ADHD. This guide will help you spot early red flags, understand the role of gender in diagnosis, and take confident steps toward support.

Why School Often Exposes ADHD Symptoms

Preschool and home life are often more flexible, with plenty of movement, one-on-one attention, and open-ended play. But school introduces a very different environment:

• Sitting still for long periods

• Listening in group settings

• Following multi-step instructions

• Navigating social rules

For children …