New CDC figures track children who have ever received a diagnosis. California parents can seek medical evaluation and school support at the same time.
When a child keeps struggling with assignments or following directions, parents can be left with two questions: Could this be ADHD, and where do we start?
New federal figures show that 13.8% of U.S. children ages 5–17 had ever received an ADHD diagnosis in 2025, compared with 9.9% in 2019. The CDC report, published October 29, describes a longer-term increase. The estimate was already 13.6% in 2024.
For California families, the practical next step depends on what’s happening with their own child. A medical evaluation can help explain persistent difficulties. A school evaluation can identify needed classroom support. Parents can pursue both at the same time.
What the increase actually measures
The National Health Interview Survey asks an adult whether a doctor or health professional has ever said the child had attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.
The increase from 2019 to 2025 was 3.9 percentage points. These are household reports of a diagnosis at some point in a child’s life, not a count of new diagnoses that year. Researchers did not independently confirm each diagnosis.
The figures don’t establish whether children still had symptoms, received treatment or obtained school services. They also cannot explain why diagnoses increased. Better recognition, changing evaluation practices and changes in how common ADHD itself is cannot be separated using these numbers alone.
Nor is 13.8% a California estimate. It’s a national figure.
Bring the concern to the doctor and school
“There is no single test to diagnose ADHD,” CDC explains.
A pediatrician or qualified mental-health professional gathers information from parents, teachers and others who know the child in different settings. Sleep problems, anxiety and learning difficulties can resemble ADHD or occur alongside it.
Before the appointment, write down examples: which tasks are difficult, how often problems occur and what teachers have noticed. Bring schoolwork or teacher reports when available.
Treatment depends on age and individual needs. For preschool children ages four and five, guidance summarized by CDC recommends parent training in behavior management before medication. Caregivers learn practical ways to reinforce positive behaviors and respond consistently.
For children six and older, recommendations include medication combined with behavior therapy and school support. Ask how progress will be measured and when follow-up will happen. Medication can affect appetite and sleep, so discuss benefits, side effects and adjustments with the provider.
The school has a separate role. A Section 504 plan can provide accommodations and services that help an eligible student access school. An individualized education program, or IEP, provides special education and related services for an eligible student who needs specialized instruction.
An ADHD diagnosis doesn’t automatically qualify a child for either. But a medical diagnosis isn’t required before a public school can evaluate a student under Section 504.
Write to the principal or school evaluation team, describe the difficulties and request an evaluation. Ask whether the school is considering Section 504, special education or both. Keep a dated copy.
For special education, California generally requires a proposed assessment plan within 15 calendar days of referral. After written parental consent, the assessment and an IEP for an eligible child generally must be completed within 60 calendar days. School breaks and other legal exceptions affect those deadlines.
Section 504 follows a different timing standard. LAUSD’s policy requires evaluation within a reasonable period, generally less than 60 days. If a school refuses an evaluation, ask for its written explanation and information about your rights.
Where California families can get help
Through Medi-Cal: Ask the child’s pediatrician or health plan about assessment and covered treatment. California’s “No Wrong Door” policy allows participating providers to deliver covered mental-health assessment and services while determining whether the plan or county system should handle ongoing care. It doesn’t guarantee an immediate appointment.
In Los Angeles County: The Department of Mental Health’s 24/7 Help Line, 800-854-7771, offers referrals and language assistance. Ask whether a referred provider evaluates children for ADHD, accepts your coverage and is taking patients. Confirm any charges.
At LAUSD: Ask your school for its Section 504 designee and request an interpreter or translated documents if needed. For unresolved Section 504 questions, the district’s parent brochure lists 213-241-7682 and EquityCompliance@lausd.net.
When choosing insurance: Check the plan’s mental-health providers and prescription coverage alongside its premium. Parriva’s Covered California renewal guide explains those checks.
Leave each conversation knowing who will take the next step and when you should hear back. Keep the school request, appointment notes and follow-up dates together. That makes it easier to track what was promised and whether the support is helping your child.
