Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that typically emerges in childhood, impacting attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking a formal diagnosis of ADHD is the first crucial step towards accessing appropriate support and management strategies. While it’s common for children to exhibit some of these behaviors occasionally, ADHD is characterized by persistent patterns that significantly interfere with daily life and development.
Recognizing ADHD Symptoms
ADHD symptoms generally manifest before the age of 12 and fall into two primary categories: inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity. It’s important to note that symptoms can vary in presentation and severity among individuals.
Inattentive Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty maintaining focus and being easily distracted.
- Struggling to listen attentively or follow instructions.
- Frequent forgetfulness in daily routines, such as chores or personal items.
- Challenges in organizing tasks and activities.
Hyperactive-Impulsive Symptoms can present as:
- Excessive fidgeting, squirming, or restlessness.
- Difficulty staying seated when expected.
- Talking excessively and interrupting conversations.
- Impatience and trouble waiting their turn.
- Acting without thinking and difficulty controlling impulses.
Many children and young people with ADHD exhibit a combination of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. However, some may primarily show symptoms of one type. It’s also worth noting that ADHD can sometimes be overlooked in girls, as they may more commonly present with inattentive symptoms, which can be less outwardly disruptive and therefore harder to recognize.
It’s crucial to remember that occasional distractibility or high energy, especially in young children under 5, does not automatically indicate ADHD. These behaviors can be typical developmental stages or responses to factors like tiredness, anxiety, or stress. A formal ADHD diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment by qualified professionals.
Seeking Help and the Path to Formal Diagnosis
If you are concerned that your child might have ADHD, initiating a conversation with their teacher is a practical first step. Older children or teenagers might also feel comfortable discussing their concerns directly with a teacher.
Teachers often play a vital role in identifying potential learning and behavioral challenges and can refer the child to the school’s Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO). The SENCO can explore classroom support strategies, homework assistance, and methods to improve confidence and social skills.
However, if concerns persist or you believe your child requires more specialized support, scheduling an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) is advisable. During the GP consultation, the doctor will inquire about the child’s symptoms, their impact on daily life, and consider other potential conditions that might mimic ADHD, such as autism spectrum disorder, Tourette’s syndrome, or anxiety disorders. It’s also important to remember that ADHD can co-occur with other conditions like depression, anxiety, learning difficulties such as dyslexia, or even addiction issues later in life.
If initial support measures at home and school are insufficient, requesting a formal ADHD assessment is the next logical step. This usually involves a referral from the GP or SENCO to ADHD specialists.
The ADHD Assessment Process for Formal Diagnosis
A formal diagnosis of ADHD is typically made by a team of specialists, which may include a paediatrician, or a child and adolescent psychiatrist. The assessment process is thorough and aims to gather a comprehensive understanding of the child’s behaviors and developmental history.
During the assessment, the specialist will:
- Interview parents/guardians and the child: To gather detailed information about symptoms, their onset, and impact on various aspects of life, including family dynamics.
- Inquire about developmental milestones: Questions will cover developmental history, such as the age at which the child reached milestones like walking and reading.
- Utilize questionnaires and rating scales: These standardized tools help to quantify ADHD symptoms from different perspectives, including parents, teachers, and sometimes the child themselves (depending on age).
- Consult with school professionals: The specialist will often contact the SENCO or teachers to gain insights into the child’s behavior and academic performance in the school setting.
- Consider computer-based tests: In some cases, computer-based tests may be used to assess attention and impulsivity as part of the diagnostic process.
Following the assessment, if an ADHD formal diagnosis is made, the specialist will discuss the diagnosis in detail, explain its implications, and outline the available treatment and support options.
Waiting Times and Accessing Assessments
It’s important to be aware that waiting times for ADHD assessments can vary significantly, potentially ranging from several months to even years. However, in England, the “Right to Choose” scheme offers an avenue to potentially reduce waiting times. This scheme allows patients to choose any qualified provider offering NHS services, which can include private clinics that also provide NHS ADHD assessments. Discussing the “Right to Choose” option with your GP can help explore clinics with shorter waiting lists. Resources like ADHD UK’s website (https://adhduk.co.uk/adhd-diagnosis-pathways-children/) provide further information on diagnosis pathways for children.
Managing ADHD After Formal Diagnosis
Managing ADHD is a multifaceted approach tailored to the individual’s specific needs and symptoms. It’s crucial to understand that not every child diagnosed with ADHD requires intervention from health professionals, and management strategies are personalized.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Lifestyle modifications can play a significant role in managing ADHD symptoms:
- Physical Activity: Encouraging regular physical activity that the child enjoys is beneficial as exercise helps channel energy and improve focus.
- Sleep Hygiene: Establishing a consistent sleep routine and addressing any sleep problems is crucial. Resources like the Royal College of Psychiatrists website (https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mental-health/parents-and-young-people/information-for-parents-and-carers/sleep-problems-for-parents/) offer guidance on managing sleep difficulties in children.
- Balanced Diet: Promoting a healthy, balanced diet (/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/eating-a-balanced-diet/) and regular mealtimes is important. Keeping a food diary can help identify potential dietary triggers that might exacerbate symptoms.
Support at School and Home
Collaborating with the SENCO to implement supportive strategies at both school and home is vital. These may include:
- Task Segmentation: Breaking down tasks, like homework or meals, into shorter, manageable segments (15-20 minutes) with breaks in between.
- Clear Instructions: Providing simple, step-by-step instructions in a calm and patient manner.
- Visual Aids: Utilizing to-do lists and placing them in visible locations to aid organization.
- Positive Reinforcement: Offering praise and reward charts to acknowledge positive behaviors and achievements.
Medication
Medication for ADHD is typically initiated and monitored by an ADHD specialist. Common medications include stimulants like methylphenidate (/medicines/methylphenidate-children/) to help manage core ADHD symptoms, and melatonin for sleep problems when lifestyle adjustments are insufficient. Finding the right medication and dosage may involve trying different options. While a GP may sometimes take over prescribing medication under a “shared care agreement” with the specialist, medication is not always necessary or desired by everyone with ADHD.
Talking Therapies
Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) (/mental-health/talking-therapies-medicine-treatments/talking-therapies-and-counselling/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/), can be beneficial in helping children and young people with ADHD develop problem-solving skills and manage their emotions effectively.
ADHD and Mental Health Considerations
Individuals with ADHD have a higher likelihood of experiencing mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression. They are also at an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It is crucial to be vigilant about mental well-being and seek immediate support if there are concerns. Resources for mental health support for children and young people are readily available (/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/mental-health-support/).
Understanding the Causes of ADHD
The exact cause of ADHD is often complex and not fully understood. Genetic factors are believed to play a significant role, and ADHD often has a familial component. Other factors linked to ADHD include premature birth, epilepsy, brain injury, and autism spectrum disorder. Some individuals with ADHD identify as neurodivergent, recognizing the diversity in how brains function.
Available Help and Support Resources After Formal Diagnosis
Following a formal diagnosis of ADHD, numerous resources are available to support children, teenagers, and their families in managing symptoms and thriving.
Key Organizations and Charities:
- ADHD UK: Offers comprehensive information and support for individuals and families affected by ADHD.
- ADHD Foundation: Provides resources for neurodivergent conditions, including ADHD.
- ADHD Adult UK: Offers information and peer support for parents of children with ADHD and adults with ADHD.
- Young Minds: Focuses on mental health support for young people.
- AADD-UK: A charity listing support groups across the UK for adults, parents, and carers.
These organizations and local support groups can provide invaluable assistance in navigating life with ADHD and accessing the necessary resources and community. Seeking a formal ADHD diagnosis is a significant step towards unlocking these support systems and empowering individuals to manage ADHD effectively.
Page last reviewed: 19 March 2025
Next review due: 19 March 2028
