ADHD Diagnosis Rates Rise Among U.S. Youth Since 2019
The rate of ADHD among U.S. children aged 5-17 rose to 13.8% by 2025, a shift worth discussing with a pediatrician.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Allergies
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The percentage of U.S. children and adolescents aged 5-17 diagnosed with ADHD rose to 13.8% in 2025, up from 9.9% in 2019. This increase in documented cases occurred among both boys and girls across the six-year period.
Why it matters
The rise in ADHD diagnoses reflects a change in the identified prevalence of the condition among youth. Understanding these shifting rates is important for parents and clinicians managing school-aged children as they consider how to support development and learning needs.
These figures originate from household interviews of the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S. population tracking children aged 5-17. While the data shows a 13.8% diagnosis rate in 2025 compared to 9.9% in 2019, the underlying causes for this increase remain undetermined.
The details
Diagnoses are based on reports from household interviews conducted across the U.S. population. Data indicates that boys consistently received an ADHD diagnosis at a higher percentage than girls throughout the studied period. The survey methods reflect the reported health status of children within the community, capturing longitudinal trends in diagnostic identification.
Timeline
2019: ADHD diagnosis rate among children was 9.9%.
2025: ADHD diagnosis rate among children reached 13.8%.
Health Landscape
The rise in ADHD diagnoses follows a trend documented in federal health survey reports. This update provides current insight into the prevalence of the condition among youth, tracking how diagnostic identification has shifted over the last six years.
If you are concerned about your child’s focus or behavior, the most effective step is to start a conversation with a pediatrician or primary care provider. Discussing specific symptoms and their impact on daily life can help determine if a formal evaluation is appropriate.
The takeaway
The diagnosis rate for ADHD has risen among U.S. youth since 2019. If you notice persistent changes in a child's focus or behavior, consult a physician to discuss whether a formal evaluation or additional classroom support might be beneficial.
Further reading
For more on managing developmental health, explore our full guide to Allergies.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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