What is ADHD?
‘ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a condition where the brain works differently to most people. Symptoms of ADHD usually start before the age of 12. They involve a person’s ability to pay attention to things (being inattentive), having high energy levels (being hyperactive) and their ability to control their impulses (being impulsive). ADHD is thought to be recognised less often in girls than boys. This may be because girls with ADHD more commonly have inattentive symptoms and these can be harder to recognise.’ – NHS UK ADHD Children and Teenagers
‘There are three traits of ADHD including Hyperactivity, Inattention and Impulsivity. A child does not have to have all three traits to receive a diagnosis. It’s important to note that children in the early years, due to typical stages of child development, will demonstrate similar traits to that of ADHD however, If a child has ADHD the traits will be observed to a greater extent than their peers. You may find that the child demonstrates the traits more frequently and to a greater degree than other children their age.’ – ADHD Foundation
Signs that a child or adult may have ADHD
A child or young person may show signs of being inattentive, such as:
- being easily distracted
- finding it hard to listen to what people are saying or to follow instructions
- forgetting everyday tasks, like brushing their teeth or putting on socks.
They may show signs of being hyperactive and impulsive, including:
- having high energy levels
- fidgeting or tapping their hands and feet
- talking noisily
- feeling restless, or getting up and moving around when they’re supposed to sit still
- finding it hard to wait their turn, or interrupting conversations
- Understanding different behaviours – NHS UK ADHD children and teenagers.
Understanding behaviour related to ADHD
Referrals and assessment
There are no specific blood tests to prove a diagnosis of ADHD. Commonly used questionnaires and forms help to build a picture of the child’s presentation. Commonly requested information includes: SNAP questionnaire for teacher and parent, School Reports and in some cases a QB test may be requested.
There are three different types of ADHD and not every child with ADHD presents with all the symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention.
To warrant a diagnosis of ADHD, people aged younger than 17 must display at least six of the nine inattentive and/or hyperactive impulsive symptoms and they must be present before they are 12 years old.
The following are different presentations of ADHD. Symptoms can change over time, as can presentations:
- combined presentation
- predominantly inattentive presentation
- predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation.
Difficulties are usually noticed by both parents and educational staff.
Before the ADHD assessment, substantial information from the educational establishment and from home, in the form of standardised questionnaires and forms, will be requested. After this you will meet with a nurse via video.
The assessment includes a nurse video call with parent/carer covering topics such as:
- the child’s overall behavioural problems and support/advice and signposting provided
- the child’s medical history
- the child’s development, including medical problems and medications.
After the video call with a nurse, an initial appointment will be offered with a consultant paediatrician or specialist community paediatrician.
If concerns continue around the possibility of the child having ADHD, further information will be requested and a detailed assessment, by a consultant paediatrician or specialist community paediatrician, will be carried out.