Does my child have ADHD?

Diagnosis

There is no single, simple test for ADHD. The diagnosis is made by recognising patterns of behaviour, observing your child and from reports of their behaviour at home and at school.

• Symptoms should be present for at least 6 months
• Symptoms must be seen in at least 2 places, such as at home, school, clubs or in childcare settings
• Other problems should be ruled out first, for example hearing problems
• If symptoms are mild then a formal diagnosis may not be needed. Sometimes behaviours can be managed using self help tips such as those below and with extra support, see where to start section

Symptoms

Not all children have all the symptoms. This means some can just have problems with poor attention, while others are mainly hyperactive.

1. Problems paying attention (inattentive)

• seem forgetful
• easily distracted, for example a door banging
• difficulty concentrating on tasks
• difficulty organising themselves, for example getting ready for school 
• difficulty listening, for example focusing on what a teacher is saying or struggle following instructions

2. Problems sitting still (hyperactivity)

• restless
• fidget
• full of energy, always on the go

3. Problems controlling impulses (impulsivity)

• do things without thinking
• struggle to wait their turn for example in a game or in a queue

Where to start?

_{(back to symptoms)}

• Start by making an appointment with your child's teacher or the School Nursing Team to discuss your concerns. Even if your child’s difficulties are not obvious at school, this is still the best place to seek early support. 
• You can also speak to your Health Visitor or School Nurse (0-19 service) or GP. 
• Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires (SDQ) for different age groups can be found as PDF files on www.sdqinfo.org. They are sometimes used as part of your child's assessment.
• Waiting times for an ADHD assessment can be long. While you are on the waiting list, you can still get support for your child, see our support for neurodivergent child. Most   groups (see our support for neurodivergent child) will work with your child and support you whether or not they have a diagnosis.  

ADHD assessment in your local area 

Each area is different. Your child's health visitor, school or GP can refer your child for an assessment. 

• Darlington
• Gateshead
• Hartlepool
• Middlesbrough
• Newcastle
• North Cumbria
• Northumberland
• North Tyneside
• Redcar & Cleveland
• South Tyneside
• Stockton
• Sunderland

Tips to help your child 

1. Encourage good sleeping habits

We know lots of children with ADHD struggle with their sleep and this can cause problems concentrating at school. Visit our sleep page for more advice. Speak to your GP or paediatrician if your child has persistent problems with sleep.

2. Offer a balanced diet and encourage regular exercise

Visit our healthy eating and being active pages for advice. 

3. Make instructions simple

Use a 1 sentence rule for instructions. 1 instruction at a time. Make their tasks small and give them lots of praise when they get it right. 

4. Offer breaks

If you think an activity is going to be demanding, be proactive and build in short breaks. This will help make the activity feel more manageable.

5. Keep a simple routine

Routines help children focus on one thing at a time. If they know what they are doing every day, this helps them to keep organised. Make sure their meals are regular, including a good breakfast so that they are not hungry at school.

6. Help them understand their ADHD

Talk to your child about their ADHD. Try to focus on the positives of having ADHD and highlight your child’s strengths. 

7. Communication

Make eye contact with your child when speaking to them. Give them advance notice of a change that is going to happen. Give your child simple choices. For example, "When you come home from school today you need to do your reading and have a bath, which would you like to do first?"

Use the word 'we'. 'How do you think 'we' could do this differently?'

8. Spend 1 to 1 quiet time with your child 

Give them praise and focus on positive behaviours. Try not to criticise. Tell them when you have enjoyed spending time with them. This will help build their self esteem. 

9. Friendships and play 

Your child might appear socially out of tune as they may struggle to listen to instructions or dominate activities. They may find group activities difficulty and may find things like running or a martial arts easier. Encourage learning through play. Use imaginative play. Follow your child's lead.

10. Don't take your child's behaviour personally.