ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
It is a condition that affects how someone thinks, feels, and behaves.
Children with ADHD may find it harder to:
- Focus their attention
- Stay organised
- Manage their energy
Every child is different, and understanding ADHD helps you know how best to support them at home and at school.
Common signs of ADHD
A child with ADHD may:
Attention:
- Get distracted easily
- Find it hard to start or finish tasks
- Struggle to concentrate
- Find it hard to follow instructions
- Forget things or lose items
- Find it hard to remember what people say
Energy and movement:
- Fidget, squirm, or move around a lot
- Find it hard to sit still
- Talk a lot or interrupt others
- Act without thinking
- Take risks, such as climbing unsafe things
- Seem always “on the go”
Important to remember
- These behaviours can be normal for young children, especially under age 5
- Children may also act this way when they are tired, worried, or upset
- ADHD signs often start early but may be noticed more during big changes, such as starting or moving school
- ADHD can sometimes look different in girls, so it may be missed
Support at school and home
It can help to speak with your child’s SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). They can work with you to plan support both at school and at home.
Helpful strategies:
- Break tasks into short chunks (about 15–20 minutes) with breaks
- Give clear, simple instructions one at a time
- Use a calm and steady voice
- Write a to-do list and keep it somewhere easy to see
- Use visual timetables or checklists
- Give praise when your child does well
- Use reward charts to encourage positive behaviour
These steps can help with everyday activities such as homework, mealtimes, and daily routines.
Getting support
- Speak to your GP if you are concerned
- Keep notes of behaviours and any patterns you notice
- Your GP can refer your child for an assessment
- Schools can offer support as ADHD is a Special Educational Need (SEN)
The right support can make day-to-day life easier for your child and your family.
Useful links and resources
- NHS ADHD (children and teenagers)
- Young Minds (parent guide to ADHD)
- ADDISS (ADHD information and support)
- ADHD UK (information and peer support)
- Scottish ADHD Coalition (services directory)
- The Sleep Charity (sleep advice for children with SEND)
- ROSPA (home safety advice)
- Child Accident Prevention Trust
- Challenging Behaviour Foundation
- Working Families (support for working families)
- Carers UK (support and carers assessments)
