ADHD
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition that affects behaviour. It is becoming more recognised and diagnosed over time.
It is estimated that around 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD.
-
Early years and family supportEarly years and family support
-
Resources and coursesResources and courses
-
Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for SEND childrenEducation, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for SEND children
Explore some of the common questions asked about ADHD:
ADHD symptoms
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It is characterised by the following symptoms:
- Difficulty with concentration and focus
- Being distracted
- Forgetfulness/ losing things
- Finding it difficult to stick with tasks
- Problems following instructions
- Difficulty organising themselves
- Restlessness and finding it hard to sit still
- Fidgeting
- Talking excessively
- Doing things without thinking
- Interrupting others/ finding it hard to wait their turn
- Moving around a lot.
What causes ADHD?
The causes of ADHD are not fully understood, however the following are thought to contribute to a child’s risk:
- Family history- ADHD can run in families
- Differences in the structure of the brain
- Premature birth (before the 37th week of pregnancy)
- Epilepsy.
How to get tested for ADHD
If you suspect your child may have ADHD, as a starting point make an appointment with your GP to discuss it. If necessary your GP can then refer you on for an assessment. Waiting times around the country vary; ask your GP about NHS Right To Choose- a service that allows you to access an NHS practitioner from elsewhere in the country. Private diagnosis is also available at various centres across the UK.
Diagnosis is completed via gathering information from parents and the school, and then meeting with a professional.
How is ADHD treated?
Treatment for ADHD varies greatly depending on the specific symptoms and behaviours in the child. Medication might be prescribed and then monitored for it’s effectiveness.
Other treatments include therapy and understanding the condition fully.
Parenting a child with ADHD
It can be tough to parent a child with ADHD. Everyday life can feel chaotic and exhausting. Some ways to cope include:
- Routines. Create a routine for school mornings and for after school/ bedtime and aim to stick to it every day. This helps everyone stay on track and reduces stress.
- Soothing bedtimes. To help your child wind down for bed, avoid screens for a while beforehand and create a wind-down routine that involves relaxing activities such as a bath and reading in bed.
- Daily exercise. This helps your child get their energy out and be calmer afterwards. Encourage them to take part in sports and fun, active activities- even playing in the garden helps.
- Give specific instructions. So, rather than saying ‘please can you tidy your room,’ ask them to ‘put their books in a pile.’ This helps them stay on course.
- Be positive. Praise them when they did something well, and aim to remember that they cannot help their ADHD behaviours.
- Create boundaries. Let them know what behaviour isn’t acceptable and teach your child that there will be consequences to breaking the rules.
- Providing frequent movement breaks, and breaking down big tasks into small sections can help concentration.
- Help them de-escalate. Children with ADHD can be explosive, so look for when they are becoming emotionally overwhelmed and aim to help them calm down. They may respond well to a relaxation video or breathing exercise- try our box breathing video.
