Support with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

ADHD is a neurological condition that makes the brain work in a different way. Children with ADHD may:  

• get easily distracted by more exciting things  
• find it hard to return to their original task  
• struggle with controlling their attention  
• find it hard to control their impulses  

This does not mean they’re lazy or lack willpower.

How to manage ADHD symptoms

Stress can make the symptoms of ADHD worse. This can lead to:  

• struggling to pay attention more than usual  
• looking for more sensations or distractions  
• finding it hard to reach long-term goals  

If your child has ADHD, it may help them to:  

• find something to fidget with when they need to concentrate for a long time 
• channel their energy by doing something physical or that demands their attention, such as sports, cooking, woodworking and more  
• tell people around them what they need, such as a break or something to fidget with 

How parents can help

Using systems

Putting systems in place around your home can help your child organise themselves, work through daily routines and manage their time. This might include:   

• colour-coded toy boxes with numbers on them to tidy in a certain order  
• boxes by the door for their school bag, shoes and homework when they come home  
• having an agreed calm-down spot in your house where they can go for alone time, such as a sensory deprivation tent or climbing frame in the garden  
• a lock box in the house to store their phone or tablet in during homework time  

Using systems helps your child understand how to organise themselves in a practical way. Practising the systems will help them create muscle memory so the tasks become routine. 

Being playful

Taking a playful approach to giving instructions or working through a routine can grab your child's attention so they’re more interested in cooperating with you.  

Playfulness can calm your child’s nervous system and help them feel relaxed.  

Showing acceptance

Having ADHD can make it difficult to meet the expectations of loved ones. Your child might feel like they’re letting you and others down. 

It helps your child’s confidence and self-esteem to know you accept they’re trying their best and developing certain skills at their own pace.  

Channelling sensory needs

Plan activities where your child can channel their sensory-seeking needs.   

For a younger child, this might be jumping on a trampoline or rough and tumble play with you every few hours. 

For an older child, it might be attending a weekly sports class or helping cook for the family some evenings.  

Empathy

Connection before correction. 

Children with ADHD find it more difficult to regulate their emotions and may feel them more strongly than other children. 

Having their emotions validated (“I get it, I also get really angry sometimes”) and experiencing the connection that comes from being empathised with (“I am listening to you and I am not leaving you”) can support their ability to calm down.   

Try not to stop their emotional reaction by problem solving or minimising their feelings.  

Space

Consistently using the right strategies to support your child with their ADHD can be emotionally draining and take a toll on your mental health.   

It’s important to have some space, to take time away from your child and look after your own needs.  

If you’re feeling overwhelmed in the moment, as long as your child is safe, make some space to relax and be in a calmer place before returning to support them.  

How we can help

Our educational psychologists can support children with ADHD by:  

• referring your child for an ADHD assessment  
• finding out which areas your child is struggling with  
• providing training and consultation for you and other adults around a child  
• working with your child to help them understand ADHD and how it impacts them at home and school  
• working with you and other adults on how to carry out interventions at home and school  
• changing perceptions of adults around the child on what behaviour is challenging or if a child is struggling in school  
• helping school staff to build a more inclusive environment  
• showing staff strategies that can help your child in the classroom  
• working through any difficulties you’re experiencing and how to build a sense of community with your child’s school 
• providing supervision or emotional support for you and others who are giving intensive support to your child

Find out how a professional working with a child with ADHD can get a diagnosis and support