Good morning, good post, good observations but only a scratch on the surface!

ADHD is a broad spectrum. A child can be predominantly hyperactive, predominantly struggling with attention or both, with infinite ratio variations. ADHD is also not linked to a child's intelligence. It's often a learning difficulty (LD). Children with higher intelligence can often find coping mechanisms to manage their self-awareness of being 'different' without being able to put a finger on exactly why they are different and this carries through to adulthood when these days, they can often see medical professionals and be given answers to this lifelong issue.

The first line of help should be with occupational therapy where children can learn exercises through play, gradually improving concentration and focus and learning to regulate behaviours but an hour or two of therapy a week is useless without continued support from home and from other caregivers such as schools or nurseries. Early intervention is of paramount importance.

All too many parents see something 'not quite right' in their toddlers but then put off asking for help, hoping they'll 'grow out of it'. Early school years are usually no problem as it's mainly play-based learning and toddlers can be a bit boisterous but when the learning becomes more formal in grade 1, then problems develop as kids often rapidly drop behind with learning milestones. This can be especially noticeable in reading and writing. Kids who drop behind can become self-conscious leading to behaviour issues, self-esteem problems etc etc. It can rapidly become a downward spiral.

Drugs can help, but not as a first line of support and more so with hyperactivity in children. Sadly doctors seem to throw them about like candy these days as OT services and other mental health services are overrun, more so in countries that have free, healthcare. Many techniques can be applied to help focus and concentration to be able to complete tasks but not if a child, or adult, is bouncing off the walls! Standard techniques for schools to implement are desk position, giving a child small brain breaks, small fidget toys, there's a long list of ideas that are not going to create too much additional pressure on a teacher, and equally importantly, not affect the education of other children in a class. Definitely what not do either at home or in class is shout or become angry. This is easier said than done. Parents, already under pressure and duress also need help and support. With ADHD, what's needed is calm and measured discipline and positive reinforcement.

As for phones. Screen time doesn't cause ADHD but it most certainly exacerbates the issues. Even if a child is only watching and playing educational videos and games, it is one-way learning and there are no communication or social skills being developed which in early years is of utmost importance.

Since Covid, we see many guilt-ridden parents who think their kids have problems as a direct consequence of the lockdown and letting their kids spend their days on computers or phones. Sometimes, it can be ADHD, sometimes, behaviour and parenting. It's a difficult line to walk and discuss.

The final paragraph goes to you...

I suspect, that a lot of people are chasing various diagnoses to explain their own behaviour and that of their children, even if the root cause is to be found in their lifestyle, not their genes. It is not that there are no disorders and illnesses that cause different kinds of behaviours and challenges like attention problems or depression, but we would want to look at the environmental factors that could be causing it, before treating with medications - right?

In my opinion, your suspicions are absolutely correct.

I hope you and your family have a great weekend and your own health is holding up :-)