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Information & advice
ADHD
ADHD is a condition that affects focus, behaviour and impulse levels. A person with ADHD may experience the world or feel and behave in different ways from others.
This can be challenging for children, young people and their families, but there are various support options and resources available to help.
What is ADHD?
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a complex condition and a form of neurodivergence, meaning that people who identify as neurodivergent have brains that develop or process information differently from others.
While everyone occasionally struggles with sitting still, focusing or managing impulses, children and young people with ADHD may experience these challenges to a degree that significantly disrupts their daily lives.
The way it affects them can vary from moment to moment, depending on how they’re feeling and the environment they’re in.
There are three distinct subtypes of ADHD:
- Combined – both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive type.
- Inattentive – difficulty with focus, gets distracted easily and struggles with organisation.
- Hyperactive/ Impulsive – difficulty staying still and impulsive actions.
Each type presents its own unique challenges, but with the right support, children can thrive.
What are the Signs of ADHD?
If your child has ADHD, they may show signs of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness, although some may only experience one of these traits.
Signs of inattention:
- Loses items easily
- Gets distracted easily
- Shortened attention span
- Does not follow through on instructions
- Has trouble organising tasks and activities
- Poor listening skills
Signs of hyperactivity, impulsivity:
- Difficulty sitting still or fidgeting
- Restlessness which is difficult to control
- Difficulty waiting turn
- Impulsive
- Is often ’on the go
Similar to autism, ADHD is more frequently diagnosed in boys. This is largely due to gender bias in research and because ADHD may present differently in girls.
Many children and young people with ADHD also have trouble with sleep, whether it’s falling asleep or keeping a regular sleep schedule.
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
If you think your child has ADHD and needs extra support, a GP or the school can help with a referral to a specialist for diagnosis.
If they think your child might have ADHD, they may first suggest keeping an eye on their behaviours. ADHD symptoms need to show up in more than one place, like at home and at school, before a diagnosis can be carried out. This helps rule out that the behaviours are caused by other factors, that may be in the home or challenges in the school.
However, it’s important to understand that, like with other neurodivergences, children often learn to mask in social settings where they don’t feel comfortable. This can make it more challenging to identify and diagnose.
If your child is referred to get an assessment, the specialist they see will depend on their age and the services available in your local area.
There isn’t a simple test to diagnose ADHD, but a specialist can provide an accurate diagnosis through a detailed assessment. This may include:
- A physical exam to rule out other causes of the symptoms
- Interviews with you or your child
- Feedback from important people in your child’s life, like parents, teachers or partners
Following a diagnosis, you may have a discussion about whether medication could help address some of the challenges your child or young person is facing.
How can I Support my Child with ADHD?
Supporting your child with ADHD on a day-to-day basis can feel overwhelming, but there are lots of different resources and help available. It is important to remember each child and young person is an individual with their own needs.
1:1 support for parents
We offer one-on-one personalised support to help you navigate the complex SEND system and find the right support for your child.
Techniques to Support your Child with ADHD
Here are a few practical techniques to make daily routines easier and support your child on a day-to-day basis:
- Set clear boundaries – clear plans and routines help your child know what’s expected of them.
- Implement incentive schemes – this can help to motivate your child, especially when dealing with tasks that feel boring or hard.
- Create healthy routines – routines and clear expectations around eating healthy, getting enough exercise, keeping up with hygiene and sleeping well.
Our Online Workshops
Our online workshops provide expert advice, practical tools, and a supportive community to help you navigate and support your child’s unique needs.
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Autism
9 Jan 2025
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Find out about Autism and Sensory Processing Difference, how these affect children, and how to support them.
ADHD
15 Jan 2025
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Explore the differences and similarities between ADHD and Autism and discover strategies to support your child.
Sleep
22 Jan 2025
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Explore the science behind sleep, how SEND can impact, and strategies to support a better night’s sleep for you and your child.
Autism
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Demand Avoidance
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Masking
Masking is one of the main characteristics of autism in girls. Find out what masking is and how to support.
ADHD
14 Feb 2025
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Explore the differences and similarities between ADHD and Autism and discover strategies to support your child.
Sleep
27 Feb 2025
Sleep Support
Explore the science behind sleep, how SEND can impact, and strategies to support a better night’s sleep for you and your child.
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FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions around ADHD.
An Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) is a legal document for children and young people up to the age of 25 who need extra support due to special educational needs or disabilities. It outlines the help children and young people with ADHD need at school or college, ensuring they get the right support to learn and succeed. You can apply for an EHCP without a formal diagnosis.
To get a private ADHD diagnosis in the UK, you can book an appointment with a private doctor, psychiatrist or specialist. You don’t need a referral from your GP for private care, but it’s a good idea to inform them so they can update health records. Private assessments may be quicker than the NHS, but can be expensive.
Hyperactivity means having lots of energy and finding it hard to sit still. Children with ADHD who are hyperactive may fidget, feel restless and move around or talk a lot. They often need to keep busy and might struggle to relax.
Sensory needs in ADHD refer to how some children and young people might be extra sensitive to sounds, lights, textures, or smells. For example, a loud room might feel overwhelming, or certain clothes might feel uncomfortable. This can cause distraction or discomfort and make it harder to focus.
ADHD symptoms can change over time. Some children find their symptoms improve as they get older, especially hyperactivity. However, challenges with attention and organisation may continue into adulthood. With the right support and strategies in place, people with ADHD can manage their symptoms well.
The NHS Right to Choose scheme allows patients to choose where they receive care, including mental health services like ADHD assessments. If your child has been waiting a long time for an NHS diagnosis, you can ask your GP to refer you to a different provider that may have a shorter waiting list.
ADHD is often linked with other coexisting conditions such as anxiety, depression, dyslexia, and autism. Some children with ADHD may also have learning difficulties or sleep problems. These conditions can sometimes make it harder to manage ADHD, but with the right support, they can be addressed together.