With such long wait times for ADHD assessments at the moment, identifying that you think your child has ADHD and then getting any support can be a process which takes years. In the meantime, we know that you are keen to offer them the support they need but to do so, you need to become an expert.
We’ve got a fabulous webinar for you to watch if you do want to learn more. Earlier this year, we hosted Alex Partridge, the founder of UNILAD and LADBible as he told us all about his ADHD journey and this is now available to watch on Sunshine Academy, our online learning platform. For just £10.99 a month, you can access both this course and over 200 others on a huge variety of SEND topics, including loads more on ADHD
To get signed up to Sunshine Academy and watch this webinar, visit www.sunshine-academy.co.uk
To get you ready and start your ADHD learning journey, here are five crucial facts about ADHD in children that every parent should know.
1. It’s not just hyperactivity
We all know the old image of ADHD is a naughty boy running around uncontrollably but this just isn’t accurate to what ADHD really is. ADHD can present in many different ways with particular differences being seen between boys and girls.
There are three types of ADHD – inattentive, hyperactive and combined type.
For children with ADHD they may struggle with inattention, such as difficulty focusing, completing tasks, or following instructions. Others may experience impulsivity, acting without thinking through consequences.
Understanding the diverse ways ADHD manifests in children can help you be more patient, compassionate, and responsive to their needs.
2. ADHD is not a behavioural problem
We still see far too often ADHD being classed as a behavioural issue or a result of poor parenting. ADHD is a neurological condition that affects the brain’s ability to regulate attention, impulses, and executive function. A child’s struggles with focus, organisation, and self-regulation aren’t a result of laziness or defiance— it’s due to chemical deficits in the brain and the resulting difficulties need understanding and support.
3. ADHD isn’t just something which affects children
We are seeing increasing numbers of adults being diagnosed as having ADHD and that’s because when they were children ADHD wasn’t being recognised. As a great example of this, in 1990 there were only 40 children in the whole of the UK on medical treatment for ADHD. Latest statistics from the Lancet and NICE suggest that as many as 708,000 children in the UK have ADHD.
Childhood ADHD was only formally recognised in the UK in 2000 meaning that many of the people who are now getting diagnosed in their forties were already teenagers by this point.
For many who are late-diagnosed as adults, the overwhelming message from them is how much of a difference it would have made to their lives to know about their ADHD sooner. Finding life difficult without understanding why is so much harder than having a diagnosis is.
4. Early intervention is key
The earlier ADHD is identified, the better the outcomes for your child. Early diagnosis and intervention can help children develop important skills, reduce behavioural issues, and improve a child’s overall quality of life. Our previous blog on the benefits of early diagnosis is a great read to understand more about this.
We know that for many people they find themselves on a pathway for diagnosis for far too long but remember you don’t need a diagnosis to begin to make adjustments at home and school to meet your child’s needs. Our upcoming webinar on 10 April will give you loads of hints and tips about this.
5. It’s really normal to feel overwhelmed
Parenting a neurodivergent child can feel isolating, but it’s important to remember that you don’t have to navigate ADHD alone. Learning as much as you can will make you your child’s best advocate going forward as you support them to meet their needs.
So much is misunderstood about ADHD but understanding more can make a real difference to supporting your child and advocating to get their needs met.
You can sign up to Sunshine Academy at www.sunshine-academy.co.uk
