When a child argues about every instruction, refuses to start homework, procrastinates until the last possible minute, shuts down, or completely falls apart over something that seems small, it can be hard not to focus on the behavior.

Every August, families start with the best intentions. The backpack has a designated spot. The calendar is ready. Everyone knows what time they need to leave in the morning. Your child understands that homework comes before gaming, dirty clothes go in the hamper, and the permission slip really does need to make it from the backpack to the kitchen counter.

"If my child can spend two hours playing Minecraft, how can they possibly have ADHD?" It's one of the questions parents ask me most often. At first glance, it seems like a fair question. If a child can focus on a favorite activity for hours, shouldn't they be able to focus on twenty minutes of homework? Not necessarily. In fact, this pattern is one of the hallmarks of ADHD.