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ADHD

  • Behaviour, emotions and mental health
  • Child development and growing up
Young boy dressed in school uniform sitting in a classroom at a desk writing on a piece of paper

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with symptoms seen from early childhood. Core symptoms include:

  • poor attention (distractibility, short attention span)
  • high activity levels (hyperactivity)
  • restlessness and impulsivity

What is ADHD

Lots of children exhibit some symptoms of ADHD. These symptoms become a problem when they have a negative impact on your child’s learning, relationships with parents and peers and self-esteem. Diagnosis of ADHD is not made before the age of 5 because many children, especially those under 5, are inattentive and restless.

What you can do to help

How we can help

Primary school children

If, after seeking parenting support through other services, your child is still really struggling in school and at home, a referral to community paediatrics can be made for assessment and possible diagnosis. Referrals will need to be made by schools. Read our guidance on how to make a referral.

Download the ADHD pathway


Secondary school children

Referrals will need to be directed to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).


For all aged children, when a diagnosis of ADHD is made, parents will be offered an ADHD workshop to gain more information and support. Following this, medication will only be offered by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), if problems persist.

Useful resources for families


Last reviewed: 1 November, 2023

Information

Who can help

If you have any questions or concerns about your child's ADHD, a health professional in our team will be able to offer advice and support. You can call us on 0300 029 50 50.

Open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm (excluding bank holidays).

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