ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Education for children with special education needs and disabilities is written elsewhere on this website. Please click the link below to access it.
Please note that we have given you an overview on this condition in a question and answer format. We have not discussed the types of treatment available for this condition. We will leave that for a professional to discuss with you when a special educational needs plan or learning/educational/healthcare plan is being written for your child once they have been diagnosed.
Please also note that in 1994 ADD (attention deficit disorder) would be under the ADHD umbrella of disorders.
WHAT IS ADHD?
ADHD is short for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. If your child has this condition it will affect their behaviour, attention, emotions and the ability to learn.
Children with ADHD are regarded as children with special educational needs.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder.
ADHD is twice as common in boys as it is in girls.
WHAT SYMPTOMS DOES A CHILD WITH ADHD DISPLAY?
Although many children with ADHD share symptoms that come with the condition however, each child will experience these symptoms in different ways. They will have different strengths and limitations of these symptoms.
The main symptoms a child with ADHD will show are:
- Restlessness
- Trouble focusing and prioritising
- Trouble concentrating
- A very short attention span
- Hyperactive
- Impulsive
- Fidgeting
- Disruptive behaviour
- Acting without thinking
- Poor time management
- Unable to multitask.
- Easily distracted
- Lack of patience
- Outbursts of anger
- Mood swings
- Interrupting
- Risk taking
ARE CHILDREN WHO HAVE ADHD BORN WITH IT?
It is generally considered that children are likely to have been born with ADHD because they have inherited it from their parents (it has a genetic root). However bad parenting, watching too much TV, and a very poor diet of sugar and processed food may exacerbate the condition.
Scientists are at present doing research to find out whether a brain injury, exposure to elements such as lead, premature birth and alcohol consumption during pregnancy may cause ADHD.
WHEN DO MOST CHILDREN FIRST DISPLAY THE SIGNS OF ADHD?
Most children will start to display signs of ADHD in early childhood between the ages of 3 years and 6 years. Most children are diagnosed at the age of 7 years.
CAN ADHD GO AWAY, BE CURED OR PREVENTED?
No ADHD cannot go away, be cured or prevented. It can be positively managed with therapy, treatment, medication, support and change of lifestyle. This will be overseen by your GP.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ADHD?
There are 3 different types of ADHD depending upon the symptoms experienced:
INATTENTIVE ADHD – Children who suffer from this type of ADHD may wrestle with hyperactivity and impulse control occasionally but their symptoms are mainly those of inattention. This type of ADHD is often common in girls.
- These children have trouble following directions.
- They process information slower than others
- They process information less accurately than others
- They get bored easily.
- They are distracted easily
- They cannot focus on one thing
- They have problems learning new information.
- They lose thing easily
- They can be unorganised.
- They come across as if they are daydreaming and not concentrating or focusing.
HYPERACTIVE-IMPULSIVE ADHD – Children who suffer from this type of ADHD may wrestle with inattention occasionally but their symptoms are mainly those of.hyperactivity and impulse control. This type of ADHD is common in boys.
- These children can be disruptive
- They are fidgety
- They are restless and cannot sit still.
- They can be inappropriate
- They are impatient
- They continue to talk even when advised not to.
COMBINATION ADHD – Children with this type of ADHD display both the symptoms of inattentive ADHD and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. This is the most common type of ADHD
WHO DO YOUR CONTACT FOR HELP IF YOU FEEL YOUR CHILD HAS ADHD?
Contact your GP immediately – Your GP will arrange for your child to be assessed for ADHD and if so what type they have. Your GP will then arrange for your child to have the correct support, medication, therapy and treatment to manage the condition. They will also inform you of any lifestyle changes you may need to make and refer you for further help if you need it.
Contact the school SEN department – The SEN department (special educational needs) at school will take your concerns seriously and help you. Please read the next section below.
IS ADHD CONSIDERED A SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEED (SEN)?
A child suffering from ADHD can be considered as one with special educational needs (SEN) if the issues the child is suffering from make education and learning much more difficult than other children of the same age.
Talk to the SEN department at your child’s school. There will be a special teacher there called a SENCO (special SEN coordinator) who looks after the welfare of all SEN children at the school and they will be able to advise you further.
WHERE CAN YOU AS A PARENT TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
You can contact NSPCC – If your child has ADHD you can contact the NSPCC and speak to them about your concerns. If the child is in danger they will call the police.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR NSPCC – CONTACT US
You can contact FAMILY LIVES – Family lives was previously known as parentline. You can speak to them about your concerns that your child has ADHD.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR FAMILY LIVES – CONTACT US
You can contact SUPPORTLINE – Supportline can provide confidential emotional support over the phone about your concerns. Their helpline number is 01708 765 200. You can also email them.
LINK TO WEBSITE FOR SUPPORTLINE – CONTACT US
You can contact your local authority child services – You can call them directly or look on their website to see if there are any local support groups where you can get support.
LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE TO FIND YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY
You can contact other organisations –
LINK TO OUR L.I.P HELP GUIDE 16 – CONNECT WITH CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS THAT COULD HELP YOU.
WHERE CAN YOUR CHILD TALK, GET HELP AND ADVICE?
Your child can contact CHILDLINE – If your child has ADHD and they need to talk to someone, they can call childline.