Should you need urgent health advice please contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency please visit A&E or call 999
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition that affects concentration, activity levels, and impulsivity. While it’s more commonly diagnosed in older children, understanding the basics of ADHD can help you spot signs early and seek the right support for your child.
ADHD is pervasive – this means that the symptoms will appear at both school and home and in other settings. ADHD often runs in families and is not linked to intelligence.
Types of ADHD
ADHD is generally grouped into two main types:
- Inattentive Type:
Children may struggle to focus, find it hard to pay attention to tasks, or appear forgetful and easily distracted.
- Hyperactive-Impulsive Type:
Children may have high energy levels, struggle to sit still, interrupt others, or act without thinking.
Some children may show traits of both types.
Recognising ADHD in young children
Young children can be naturally active and curious, so it can be tricky to spot ADHD early. However, there are a few signs that may stand out:
- Being easily distracted
- Makes careless mistakes
- Doesn’t seem to listen or take in instructions
- Forgets or loses things regularly
- Being unable to sit still or constantly fidgeting
- Little sense of danger or excessive risk taking
- Being unable to concentrate on tasks especially tedious or long tasks.
Keep in mind that all children develop at their own pace. Behaviours like these aren’t always a sign of ADHD but could indicate the need for further support if they persist and affect daily life.
How Is ADHD Diagnosed?
There’s no single test for ADHD. Diagnosis involves gathering information from parents, educators, childcare and healthcare professionals to build a full picture of a child’s behaviour.
To confirm a diagnosis, children must display at least six symptoms consistently over six months, and these behaviours must affect their daily life at home or in other settings.
A referral of ADHD can be considered when the child is around six years old and attends primary school.
Current wait times for assessments are around 3 years, but support is available through the school while you wait.
What Can Help?
If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, there are several ways to support them:
- Parental support programs
- Therapy
- Medication
What Should You Do If You’re Concerned?
If you suspect your child might have ADHD speak to their nursery or preschool. Staff may provide valuable insights about your child’s behaviour in a group setting.
Contact your GP for advice, and they can guide you through the next steps, including referrals for further assessments if needed.
Where to Find Support
For more information, you can explore these resources:
