ADHD
What is it?
Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurological condition where due to the brain's wiring, someone with ADHD may appear to struggle with keeping focus, or attention on a task or activity. They may also appear hyperactive or chaotic in their movements or thought process, boys tend to present with physical movement whilst girls more commonly have higher mental load or thoughts where they struggle to switch off or focus on a single task.
THREE TYPES OF ADHD
Inattentive
Commonly the hyperactivity is contained within the body; being unable to switch off, brain running like an engine, trying to remember lots of ideas so one who is inattentive will appear chaotic, disorganised, distracted, not paying attention.
Hyperactive/impulsive
The brain brakes struggle to engage – impulsive thoughts and behaviours can look to be risky, rude. The energy presents full body and can appear more than fidgety – seeking constant gross motor movement.
Combined
Most common ADHD diagnosis and combines the characteristics of both hyperactive and inattentive.
WHAT CAUSES ADHD?
There are other factors but predominately ADHD is genetics – so if you think your child may have ADHD – it may be worth looking into family history/characteristics.
WHAT NOW?
First of all, don’t panic! Having characteristics of ADHD does not change your child or create a label for them.
It will help you understand how their brain is working, how they will respond in situations and what to expect in response to overwhelming situations. Additionally it could help unpick how and why they are highly emotional and often feel like you are unable to fill their cup/or meet their needs.
You can search the ADHD DSM IV online to see if your child matches the diagnostic criteria to get a feel of the questions an assessor would look at.
Speak to school - SENDCo (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Co-ordinator) or class teacher to see if they have seen any of the same attributes. They should have the forms that you can fill in to start a formal assessment or they may suggest speaking to the GPs (depending on school/area).
School should work with you to make reasonable adjustments to allow Quality First Teaching to your child.
NEXT STEPS:
Do they need a diagnosis?
No - you do not need to pursue an ADHD diagnosis - however, it can help your confidence in navigating the challenges they experience. It can also improve schools' understanding of the child but they should be meeting the child's needs where they are at regardless of a diagnosis.
A diagnosis will likely help them understand themselves as they grow, increasing self awareness and self confidence and reducing the need for more interventions as they grow and have increased responsibility as an adult.
MEDICATION:
Having an ADHD diagnosis will allow you access to titrate ADHD stimulant and non-stimulant medication. Briefly this boosts the brain's power and has the effect of focusing on 1 task more in depth and removing the noise of other tasks. You will have the opportunity to speak to your child’s paediatrician in more detail when looking at making these decisions.
HOW CAN LIGHTHOUSE THERAPY HUB HELP?
We have a multi-dimensional approach to support those with traits of ADHD.
Our creative children's therapists work in a low demand approach to build self esteem and look at stabilising their emotional regulation. They can look at friendships and feelings of rejection, increasing praise and reducing the feeling of living in negative bias.
Our school support service can help you communicate with school if they are not cooperating or putting in enough support to allow your child to thrive.
Our family Support Specialist can perform our indepth “Connecting The Dots on Behaviour” report where we can look at a holistic look at the child, presenting needs and ways we can support their emotional wellbeing, sensory integration, and steps to avoid meltdown or crisis.
Many of the team at The Hub have ADHD - we know first hand how tricky it can be to navigate, understand and come to terms with.
YOUR CHILD WILL:
Feel heard
Create tools and strategies
Increase self-empowerment
Increase self-awareness
Feel supported in risk taking – when appropriate
