Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects children and teens and can continue into adulthood. ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder of children. Children with ADHD may be hyperactive and unable control their impulses, or they may have trouble paying attention.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a term used for people who have excessive difficulties with concentration without the presence of other ADHD symptoms such as excessive impulsiveness or hyperactivity. Some children with ADD are also impulsive but have never been hyperactive.
A guide for parents to find out more about ADHD.
Please visit the following website for support with diet, nutrition, and therapeutic support aimed at improving mental wellbeing, behaviour, and sleep issues in neurodivergent individuals.
ADHD for children:
Please visit the following website for support with diet, nutrition, and therapeutic support aimed at improving mental wellbeing, behaviour, and sleep issues in neurodivergent individuals.
ADHD for children:
Symptoms of ADHD in Children
ADHD in children has three main symptom groups – hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
To be diagnosed with ADHD a child does not have to have all three symptoms. Some children with attention deficit disorder only manifest two symptoms, or even one. This means that quiet children who always seem lost in their thoughts can have ADHD just as much as the hyperactive child who runs heedlessly into the street or breaks all their toys before they realise what they are doing.
Hyperactivity is always being active. This would see a child:
- always on the move
- fidgeting non stop if asked to sit still
- seeming to have a battery that never runs out
- finding relaxing difficult, no ‘off’ switch
- having illogic and quick changes in mood.
Impulsivity is acting without thinking of consequences and speaking without filters. This sees a child:
- saying whatever they think
- blurting out mean comments to others
- taking toys that don’t belong to them
- interrupting others
- not understanding the concept of personal space
- breaking and smashing things
- doing thoughtless things like touching a hot stove
- being overreactive or volatile
- upsetting or scaring other children.
Inattention is difficulties maintaining attention. This would see a child:
- sitting at her desk at school staring out the window
- being seen as a ‘daydreamer’
- not listening well when spoken to
- having difficulty following directions
- unable to finish things
- often forgetting their homework
- losing their possessions
- upsetting other children due to an inability to grasp rules or protocol.
All children, by their very nature, will at some point manifest signs of ADHD – they will struggle to pay attention if there is something more exciting to do, they will impulsively grab a toy off another child, or will forget instructions you told them only five minutes ago.
So it’s important not to jump to conclusions that your child has ADHD or make a diagnosis by yourself. The only way to be sure is to consult a paediatrician or psychiatrist who specialises in ADHD and has the right experience.
For further information please visit the following websites :
- https://www.adhdcare.co.uk/?p=online.resources
- https://chadd.org/for-parents/overview/
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/living-with/
- https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/a-z-guide/adhd/
- https://adhdfoundation.org.uk/parents/
- https://www.ukadhd.com/support-groups.htm
If you are concerned that your child finds it difficult to focus and concentrate and want to discuss it further, please contact the school ALNCo @ croftsj12@hwbcymru.net or your child’s class teacher.
Please note we follow a graduated response, and if referrals are to be made by school, a period of evidence gathering is firstly required. The referral process is a long and thorough one, and can take more than 24 months for an assessment.