Most cases are diagnosed when children are under 12 years old, but sometimes it's diagnosed later in childhood.
Sometimes ADHD was not recognised when someone was a child, and they are diagnosed later as an adult.
Many children go through phases where they're restless or inattentive. This does not necessarily mean they have ADHD.
If you think your child's behaviour may be different from most other children their age, you should discuss your concerns with your child's teacher, their school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) or a GP.
It's also a good idea to speak to a GP if you're an adult and think you may have ADHD, but were not diagnosed with the condition as a child.
For children with ADHD, although there's no cure, it can be managed with appropriate educational support, advice and support for parents and affected children, alongside medicine, if necessary.
For adults with ADHD, medicine is often the first treatment offered, although psychological therapies such as cognitive behaviour treatment may also help.
Looking after a child with ADHD can be challenging, but it's important to remember that they cannot help their behaviour.
Some day-to-day activities might be more difficult for you and your child, including:
- getting your child to sleep at night
- getting ready for school on time
- listening to and carrying out instructions
- being organised
- social occasions
- shopping
Adults living with ADHD:
Adults with ADHD may find they have problems with:
Time Management
- Difficulty estimating time and meeting deadlines.
- Procrastination or hyper-focus on specific tasks.
Organisation
- Cluttered spaces or losing important items.
- Trouble breaking tasks into manageable steps.
Emotional Regulation
- Intense emotions or impulsivity.
- Struggles with frustration or rejection sensitivity.
Focus and Attention
- Easily distracted or overwhelmed by stimuli.
- Struggles with completing tasks or switching attention.
Memory
- Forgetting tasks, appointments, or conversations.
- Challenges with working memory (holding and using information).
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NHS – Living with ADHD: Offers official NHS guidance on living with ADHD, including support groups and treatment information.
- West Yorkshire ADHD Support Group: We are here to support the ADHD community within West Yorkshire; this includes both adults and children with or suspected of having ADHD, and also their parents/carers and siblings https://www.wyadhd.org.uk/
- ADHD UK: ADHD UK was founded in 2020 with a mission to help those affected by ADHD – either those that have the condition or people close to them: family, friends, employers, and co-workers. https://adhduk.co.uk/