[digibeet]

No need to be skeptical of children that are diagnosed. It is often (and I am speaking solely about boys, just as you do) quite obvious if you are trained in recognising those markers. This doesn't mean all are found and the current training is severely lacking in recognising symptoms for girls.

Regardless, yes it is often described by others and those who are not diagnosed with ADHD as " just not being able to focus". This simplification misses out on a whole scala of symptoms and experiences.

As for the medication, it is true that it is sometimes mis/abused by some students. One thing to realize is that for those who have ADHD drugs and the stuff may have completely different effects on the person. Uppers making some people sleepy for example. Lastly children are often not given those drugs you mention but alternative without those side effects.