Prevalence of ADHD in Children vs. Adults

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Last Update: January 19, 2025 | Estimated Read Time: 3 min

ADHD in Canada: Breaking It Down

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) isn’t just a childhood thing, it affects people of all ages. Once thought to be something kids “grow out of,” research now shows that ADHD often sticks around into adulthood. This article dives into how common ADHD is in Canada, breaking it down by age groups and spotting key trends.

How Many Kids Have ADHD in Canada?

ADHD is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, but rates can vary depending on age and location. Symptoms also change as kids grow, affecting different aspects of life.

Young Kids (Ages 0-12)

• ADHD affects 5% to 9% of young kids in Canada (Government of Canada, 2023).
• Boys are diagnosed twice as often as girls, though girls often go undiagnosed due to different symptom presentations.
• Diagnoses have increased in the past decade, likely due to better awareness and screening tools.
• Kids in this age group often show hyperactivity (constantly moving, fidgeting, difficulty staying seated) and impulsivity (blurting out answers, trouble waiting turns). Inattentive symptoms, such as difficulty focusing or following instructions, may be present but harder to recognize.
• Rural and Indigenous communities still face barriers to getting ADHD assessments and treatment.

Teenagers (Ages 13-18)

• ADHD rates stay high through the teen years, ranging from 7% to 11%.
• The rise in diagnoses often happens when academic and social pressures highlight ADHD-related challenges.
• Teens with ADHD often struggle with organization, impulsivity, and emotional regulation, which can lead to anxiety and depression.
• Symptoms may shift, hyperactivity can become more internalized (restlessness, difficulty relaxing), while inattention and executive functioning challenges (difficulty planning, prioritizing tasks) become more apparent.
• Getting mental health support is key, but access varies depending on location and socioeconomic factors.

ADHD in Canadian Adults

For a long time, people assumed ADHD was a childhood disorder, but now we know that many adults still deal with its effects. The way ADHD presents can evolve over time, and many people don’t realize they have it until adulthood.

Young Adults (Ages 18-30)

• About 4% to 6% of young adults in Canada have ADHD (Statistics Canada, 2023).
• Many don’t get diagnosed until they start post-secondary education or enter the workforce.
• More universities and colleges are offering ADHD accommodations, helping students succeed.
• Social media and ADHD advocacy groups have played a huge role in increasing awareness.
• Common struggles include difficulty meeting deadlines, procrastination, emotional sensitivity, and impulsive decision-making in relationships and finances.

Adults (Ages 30-50)

• ADHD rates in this group sit between 3% and 5%.
• Many adults remain undiagnosed until workplace or parenting challenges highlight their symptoms.
• Women are especially underdiagnosed, as they often show inattentive rather than hyperactive symptoms.
• ADHD accommodations in workplaces are still hit or miss in Canada, leading to productivity struggles for many.
• Adults in this stage often deal with time management issues, forgetfulness, and difficulty juggling responsibilities at work and home. Some turn to structure, while others struggle with chronic overwhelm.

Older Adults (Ages 50-65, 65+)

• ADHD in older Canadians is rarely diagnosed, but experts estimate 1% to 3% of seniors still experience symptoms.
• Many older adults develop coping strategies that mask symptoms, leading to underdiagnosis.
• ADHD symptoms in seniors sometimes overlap with other cognitive issues like mild memory loss, making diagnosis tricky.
• Research on ADHD in older adults is still limited, but awareness is growing.
• Symptoms at this stage can include forgetfulness, difficulty following conversations, and trouble adapting to new routines. Hyperactivity tends to fade, but impulsivity and focus challenges may persist.

Trends in ADHD Diagnosis in Canada

• More Diagnoses Than Ever: Over the past 20 years, ADHD diagnoses have surged, thanks to better awareness and improved testing methods.
• Provincial Differences: Some provinces, like Ontario and BC, have higher diagnosis rates, possibly due to better access to specialists.
• City vs. Rural Divide: Urban areas have more ADHD resources, while rural communities often face long wait times and fewer specialists.
• Boys vs. Girls: Historically, ADHD was mainly diagnosed in boys, but more girls and women are now being recognized, though many are still missed.
• Mental Health Connection: ADHD often overlaps with anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders, making proper treatment crucial.

What Needs to Change?

Despite growing awareness, ADHD is still underdiagnosed and undertreated for many Canadians. Here’s what could help:

• Better Screening in Schools: Identifying ADHD earlier can lead to better long-term support.
• Easier Access to Healthcare: Expanding diagnostic and treatment options in rural and Indigenous communities is essential.
• Workplace Accommodations: More awareness in workplaces can help adults with ADHD thrive professionally.
• Fighting Stigma: Public education campaigns can encourage people to seek proper care without fear of judgment.

Final Thoughts

ADHD is common across all age groups in Canada, but diagnosis and treatment access can still be a challenge. More kids and teens are getting diagnosed, but many adults, especially women and seniors, continue to be overlooked. As awareness grows, improving access to care and reducing stigma will help more Canadians with ADHD live successful and fulfilling lives.

Finding Focus Care Team

We are a group of nurse practitioners, continuous care specialists, creators, and writers, all committed to excellence in patient care and expertise in ADHD. We share content that illuminates aspects of ADHD and broader health care topics. Each article is medically verified and approved by the Finding Focus Care Team. You can contact us at Finding Focus Support if you have any questions!

References

Government of Canada - ADHD prevalence in Canadian children and adolescents

Statistics Canada - Adult ADHD prevalence and diagnosis trends in Canada

Canadian Mental Health Association - Understanding ADHD across the lifespan

ADHD Canada - The evolving landscape of ADHD diagnosis and treatment