ADHD is a developmental difference marked by distinctive patterns of executive functioning that may involve inattention, high activity levels, quick responding, and strong emotional intensity. While these traits can create challenges in structured environments, they also point to creativity, adaptability, resilience, and potential across multiple forms of intelligence, such as visual-spatial imagination, bodily-kinesthetic energy, verbal fluency, and interpersonal awareness, with support helping individuals channel these abilities into growth and meaningful contribution..

A meta-analysis of 175 research studies worldwide on ADHD prevalence in children aged 18 and under found an overall pooled estimate of 7.2% (Thomas et al. 2015). The US Census Bureau estimates 1,795,734,009 people were aged 5-19 worldwide in 2013. Thus, 7.2% of this total population is 129 million—a rough estimate of the number of children worldwide who have ADHD.

There is no single test to identify attention-related neurological conditions, and experiences such as sleep differences, anxiety, depression, or certain learning styles may show overlapping traits. The diagnosis can be made by a mental health professional, like a psychologist or psychiatrist, or by a primary care provider, like a pediatrician.

Standard treatments for ADHD in adults typically involve medication, education, skills training and psychological counseling. A combination of these is often the most effective treatment. These treatments can help manage many symptoms of ADHD , but they don't cure it.