What is ADHD?
ADHD is a condition that can affect children and adults. Often it is diagnosed in children between the age of 3 and 7, however it can also be diagnosed later in life.
Typical behaviour of someone with ADHD includes restlessness, impulsive behaviour (acting before considering consequences) and difficulty in concentrating for periods of time. It is a lifelong condition however it can be effectively managed. Often ADHD can be identified as hereditary, but not always.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
ADDISS have some helpful information about ADHD, including identifying features of ADHD, symptoms and how the condition is diagnosed.
Professionals working with your child will be able to identify any number of features of ADHD, and these will combine to determine a diagnosis. These behaviours may include any of the following:
- Lack of attention and focus
- Doesn't appear to listen to instructions
- Not following instructions or not completing activities
- Difficulty with organisation
- Avoiding certain tasks by diverting attention elsewhere
- Often losing or misplacing tools and materials (including pencils, books etc)
- Hyperactivity
- Fidgety
- Talking excessively
- Interrupts others
- Difficulty waiting their turn
Please note this is not a definitive list, and ADDISS provide a more thorough list on their website. Each person is unique and may not display all of the above behaviours.
The first step to getting an ADHD diagnosis is to visit your GP, who will refer for diagnosis.
Information for Parent Carers
Parenting a child or young person can be challenging, and it's important to recognise your young person's behaviours are not through choice, neither is it a reflection on your parenting.
CHADD have some suggestions on how to talk to your child about ADHD. Some great tips are:
- ADHD is a part of you, but it doesn't define who you are or will be;
- You may find some things harder than your friends, but we will work together to help you find ways to manage this;
- Your brain may work a little faster than others, and we'll work together with your teachers to find ways to embrace this;
- Lots of creative and brilliant people have ADHD, let's find out about them together;
- There are many positive traits to ADHD, we'll help you continue to develop your strengths and you will thrive with them.
Some daily activities may be more challenging to complete, such as food shopping, social occasions, bedtimes, working to timetables or schedules.
Action for Children have some suggestions on things you could try at home to support you and your child's needs and manage their behaviours.
ADHD Foundation have a range of resources and articles covering a range of topics and areas you can support a child with ADHD.
ADDISS have shared clarification on some common myths surrounding ADHD on their complementary site ADHD is Real!
Head over to our ADHD support for young people pages to share information with your child about ADHD.
Support
There are many SEND activities and groups available across Bath and North East Somerset that offer a welcoming, inclusive environment for young people with ADHD to socialise with peers. Explore the opportunities on the Social, Leisure and Community pages within the SEND Local Offer.
SENDIAS BathNES offer free, impartial and confidential information, advice and support to children and young people between the ages of 0 to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their parents/carers.
They can be contacted as follows:
Email: sendias@bathnes.gov.uk
Advice Line: 01225 394382
Textphone: 07530 263401