ADHD is a medical condition where children show difficulties in 3 areas:

Inattention: this includes difficulties concentrating, organising oneself and often forgetting things;

Hyperactivity: this includes constantly being on the go, fidgeting/squirming when expected to sit still and constantly talking, or making a noise;

Impulsivity: this includes doing or saying things without thinking of the consequences, shouting out in class and difficulties waiting a turn.

Many children show some of these difficulties at times in their life although if they are there a lot of the time and are having a significant effect on their life it may be they have ADHD. A diagnosis of ADHD is usually not made until children are 6 years old.

Your child can receive support from the ADHD service following a referral from primary care, education and nursery or community services once the lead professional in these settings has:

  • Undertaken a period of “watchful waiting” of up to 10 weeks.
  • Offered you a referral to a parenting programme (no diagnosis necessary for this) or counselling help and support using non‐specialist resources.
  • Completed a standard referral form.

Your child needs to be registered with a Greenwich GP

If a diagnosis of ADHD is made the doctor will discuss treatment options for ADHD with you. Depending on the severity of the ADHD these may include parenting groups/workshops looking at how to manage difficult behaviour and/or medication. If a child is on medication they will be reviewed at least once a year to complete the necessary health checks (e.g height, weight and blood pressure). Medication is managed under a shared care agreement with your child’s GP. 

Further information about ADHD can be obtained through ADDISS

The Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service (ADDISS) offers information and support on ADHD and related learning and behaviour disorders. Call them on 020 8952 2800 or visit their website at addiss.co.uk

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care. There are NICE guidelines on ADHD online at nice.org.uk/guidance/cg72

There are a number of books on helping a child with ADHD available to buy or borrow from your local library:

  • Cathy Laver-Bradbury (2010) Step by step help for children with ADHD: a self-help manual for parents. Jessica Kingsley Publishers ISBN 1 849 050 708
  • Joanne Steer and Kate Horstmann (2009) Helping kids and teens with ADHD in school: a workbook for classroom support and managing transitions. Jessica Kingsley Publishers ISBN 1 843 106 639
  • Susan Yarney (2013) Can I tell you about ADHD? A guide for friends, family and professionals. Jessica Kingsley Publishers ISBN 1 849 053 596
  • Christopher Green and Kit Chee(1997): Understanding ADHD: A parent’s guide to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children ISBN 9780091817008Thomas Phelan (2016): 1-2-3 Magic: 3-Step Discipline for Calm, Effective, and Happy Parenting  ISBN 149262988X