Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Overview
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition. It is thought to be caused by differences in the way the brain develops. It affects the parts controlling attention, concentration, impulsivity, activity levels and memory.
This means a child or young person may experience difficulties in any or all of the below:
- paying attention
- impulsivity, and
- hyperactivity
Everybody is different, but a person with ADHD may:
- have difficulty filtering out unimportant information
- be easily overstimulated and distracted
- struggle to identify and remember the important information
- have memory difficulties
- feel overwhelmed by their own thoughts
- respond before considering things properly
- find it difficult to regulate their feelings and behaviours
ADHD in children is usually identified when parents and carers and practitioners in education settings compare their experiences of the child at home and in education setting.
Treatment can take different forms. This can include adjusting approaches to education, to therapy and medication.
Diagnosing ADHD
The NHS website outlines the steps taken in diagnosing ADHD. It also explains what happens during an assessment:
Waiting for an ADHD Assessment or Diagnosis
Assessment and diagnosis of ADHD can include a long wait.
During this time, your child may still need support.
Schools will use good quality inclusive teaching strategies for all children and young people. These approaches will support learners with a wide range of learning needs. This includes those with ADHD, with or without a diagnosis.
If your child needs more targeted support, schools use a wide range of interventions. These aim to assist their learning. These interventions should be of high quality and assessed on a regular basis to check they are supporting them to develop the skills they need.
This website has more information about the support offered by schools. Find out more by visiting our page on SEND Support at School (Universally Available Provision).
The NHS offer social communication and neurodevelopment support. This is for children and young people with ADHD or Autism. The child or young person does not need to have a diagnosis to access support from this pathway.
This is a multi-disciplinary pathway. It involves Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy. It also includes a skill mix of therapists and integrated therapy assistants.
They deliver provision within this pathway across:
- Workshops for parents and professionals
- Individual sessions (including telehealth)
- Group sessions
Children and young people can access this pathway from 3 years old to 18 years old (or up to 19 if in full time education).
You can visit the NHS East Sussex Children website to find out more:
Additional Help and Support
Amaze SENDIASS
Amaze SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service) are a local charity. They offer free, independent, and impartial advice for all matters relating to SEND. This includes ADHD. Contact Amaze SENDIASS by:
- Phone - 01273 772 289
- Email - sendiass@amazesussex.org.uk
Visit the Amaze SENDIASS web page.
Neurodevelopmental Pathway (NDP) Family Training and Navigation Service
Amaze also offer the NDP Family Training and Navigation Service. This service supports families at each stage along the neurodevelopmental pathway. They help to manage the challenges that children and young people face. This service is for families in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex.
The conditions covered by the NDP in East Sussex include:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC), and
- Tics/Tourette Syndrome
Please visit the Amaze website to find out more:
East Sussex Local Offer directory of services
You can visit our SEND-specific online directory, hosted on East Sussex 1Space. The directory lists many different services both throughout the county and online. Services cover many topics, including:
- Advice, Guidance and Support Groups
- Activities and Events
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
Visit the East Sussex Local Offer directory.
NHS - Health A to Z
The East Sussex Local Offer aims to provide as much information as possible. There may be some conditions that aren't covered in thorough detail. The NHS website has pages that list all conditions. These pages provide information and advice on how to get extra support:
Visit the NHS Health A to Z web page.
Glossary of East Sussex SEND Terms
We explain some of the terms used on this website on our page, Glossary of East Sussex SEND Terms.