Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse .
Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child's circumstances change, such as when they start school.
Most cases are diagnosed when children are 6 to 12 years old.
The symptoms of ADHD usually improve with age, but many adults who were diagnosed with the condition at a young age continue to experience problems.
People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders.
Getting help
Many children go through phases where they're restless or inattentive. This is often completely normal and does not necessarily mean they have ADHD.
But you should consider raising your concerns with your child's teacher, their school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) or a GP if you think their behaviour may be different from most children their age.
It's also a good idea to speak to a GP if you're an adult and think you may have ADHD, but were not diagnosed with the condition as a child.
How attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is treated
Although there's no cure for ADHD, it can be managed with appropriate educational support, advice and support for parents and affected children, alongside medicine, if necessary.
Medicine is often the first treatment offered to adults with ADHD, although psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may also help.
Living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Looking after a child with ADHD can be challenging, but it's important to remember that they cannot help their behaviour.
Some issues that may arise in day-to-day life include:
- getting your child to sleep at night
- getting ready for school on time
- listening to and carrying out instructions
- being organised
- social occasions
- shopping
Adults with ADHD may also find they have similar problems, and some may have issues with relationships or social interaction.
Diagnosis
If you think you or your child may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you might want to consider speaking to a GP about it.
If you're worried about your child, it may help to speak to their teachers, before seeing a GP, to find out if they have any concerns about your child's behaviour.
The GP cannot formally diagnose ADHD, but they can discuss your concerns with you and refer you for a specialist assessment, if necessary.
When you see a GP, they may ask you:
- about your symptoms or those of your child
- when these symptoms started
- where the symptoms occur – for example, at home or in school
- whether the symptoms affect your or your child's day-to-day life – for example, if they make socialising difficult
- if there have been any recent significant events in your or your child's life, such as a death or divorce in the family
- if there's a family history of ADHD
- about any other problems or symptoms of different health conditions you or your child may have
Treatment
Treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can help relieve the symptoms and make the condition much less of a problem in day-to-day life.
ADHD can be treated using medicine or therapy, but a combination of both is often best.
Treatment is usually arranged by a specialist, such as a paediatrician or psychiatrist, although the condition may be monitored by a GP.
Tips for parents
If you're the parent of a child with ADHD:
- be sure your GP or specialist helps you understand the difference between ADHD and any other problems your child may have
- think about who else needs to know about your child's ADHD, such as their school or nursery
- find out the side effects of any medicine your child takes and what you need to look out for
- getting to know people at local support groups can stop you feeling isolated and unable to cope
For information on local support groups, contact Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service (ADDISS) or call 020 8952 2800.
Useful links
The Blue Goose – Dudley Autism Support for Parents
This is a group for the parents, relatives or friends of anyone with an ASD, PDA, ODD, ADHD or SCD child. We are all at some stage of the journey, and the aim is to get as much information together on good places to go, places with great facilities, and have some giggles together and provide a shoulder to lean on too.
This is a closed group for carers of adults and children where you can ask questions, say what’s happening in the community and have a say regarding your issues, but please could you not write any inflammatory comments regarding other folk, companies or products as I personally don’t fancy having any harrassment or court orders…!!!
Users should be aware that any comments and advice made by people are purely through their own personal experiences.
Most of all we are here for you. If there’s something you feel you can’t put on here, please contact us at hello@welovecarers.org
If you request to join you’ll receive a message regarding joining before you’re accepted into the group.
Professionals will not be added to this group.
Dudley SEN information and support
We will be sharing news and information regarding SEN issues and services within Dudley.
Run by local parents trying to make a difference.
Special Needs Equipment ~ Buy Sell Swap UK ONLY
This group is purely for buying & selling used special needs equipment & related items by parents or carers of children and young adults with disabilities in the UK.
This group is NOT for general chat, selling non special needs items, advertising events or anything else. This may seem harsh but other groups set up for selling ended up swamped with other things.
Please take a minute to check out the “Docs” section for group rules, member recommendations and links to other groups & websites.
Check out the photo section to see some of the items on sale.
Please remember that all members and admin are parents of children with special needs so be polite and respectful of everyone