What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects behaviour, impulse control and concentration.

Children and young people with ADHD may seem unusually restless, impulsive, or easily distracted. They might act or speak without thinking, struggle with organisation, or find it difficult to focus. Some people with ADHD do not display hyperactivity. This was previously referred to as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), although this term is no longer officially used.

ADHD is not a mental health condition or a learning disability, but children and young people with ADHD may also experience other challenges or mental health difficulties.

Learn more about ADHD through this informative video.

ADHD assessment and support

What do I do if I think my child has ADHD?

If you suspect your child may have ADHD, start by speaking to one of the following:

  • Your child’s health visitor
  • Their teacher or school’s special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO)
  • Bromley Children Project (BCP)
  • Any Health or Care Professional that knows your child well

How can my child be referred to the ADHD service?

The ADHD service supports children in Bromley who are over 5 years old and struggling with attention, concentration, or suspected ADHD symptoms.

For children aged 5 to 6, parents or carers need to attend a parenting course through the BCP before a referral can be made. This course is the first step in managing ADHD-like behaviours.

Referrals should come from your child’s school or education setting and include:

  • A referral letter, highlighting the school’s concerns
  • A completed Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (VADRS) questionnaire from parents and school
  • A school ADHD report form

Your child’s school can access these documents on the Bromley Education Matters website. If your child is not in school, include observations from another professional who is involved in your child’s care (e.g. Speech Therapist, Educational Psychologist, Behavioural Therapist, tutor, music teacher, youth group leader, etc) that highlight the difficulties your child is experiencing.

What support is available while waiting for a referral?

Awaiting an ADHD assessment can be a challenging period for families. However, there are numerous support groups and resources available to assist during this time. Our support whilst waiting for an ADHD assessment page have been designed to guide you with practical tips, helpful resources and advice to support you and your child.

What happens after the referral?

Following this, an appointment with a Community Paediatrician will be arranged to discuss your concerns.

Will my child need ADHD treatment?

If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, the doctor will discuss treatment options. This may include:

  • Parenting groups or workshops to help manage challenging behaviours
  • Medication depending on the severity of the condition

Parenting groups and workshops are available locally through Bromley Children’s Project. Contact them to find a course that meets your needs. You can contact them on 020 8461 7259 or email bcpadmin@bromley.gov.uk.

Waiting times for initial assessment are currently over one year. As the first line treatment for ADHD-type behaviours are behavioural interventions, it is recommended that parents/carers attend aparenting course/workshop whilst they are waiting for their appointment (if not completed already). Further treatments such as medication are not usually considered until a Parenting course/workshop has been attended.

Supporting your child with ADHD

Tips for parents and carers

Be understanding: Recognise that distraction is not defiance. For instance, if your child starts playing with a pet instead of putting on their shoes, it is likely that they were distracted rather than intentionally ignoring you.

Give simple instructions: Ensure your child is looking at you and paying attention. Speak slowly and calmly. Break tasks into smaller steps, such as ‘First, brush your teeth. Then put on your shoes’.

Involve the family: Help family members, including siblings, understand ADHD to create a supportive environment.

Establish routines: Create predictable daily routines to reduce anxiety. For example, maintain consistent sleep schedules, physical activities and mealtimes.

Help with organisation: Use tools like timers, checklists and visual timetables to assist your child.

Offer praise and rewards: Celebrate your child’s strengths and achievements to boost their confidence and encourage positive behaviour.

Tips for schools

Schools play a vital role in helping children with ADHD succeed. Strategies may include:

  • Offering brain or sensory breaks during the day
  • Placing your child’s desk in a location with minimal distractions, while keeping them near their friends
  • Break down the work into small, manageable steps. Use a whiteboard as a checklist of these steps and allow the child to tick them off as achieved
  • Use a timer to help manage tasks and activities
  • Incorporate visuals to support organisation

Useful websites and resources

Explore these helpful resources to learn more about ADHD and find support:

Recommended books

There are lots of books out there, but here are some suggested ones. You can purchase or borrow these books from your local library to learn more about supporting a child with ADHD:

  • Cathy Laver-Bradbury (2010). Step by Step Help for Children with ADHD: A Self-help Manual for Parents. ISBN: 9781849050708
  • Joanne Steer and Kate Horstmann (2009). Helping Kids and Teens with ADHD in School: A Workbook for Classroom Support and Managing Transitions. ISBN: 9781843106630
  • Susan Yarney (2013). Can I Tell You About ADHD? A Guide for Friends, Family, and Professionals. ISBN: 9781849053594
  • Christopher Green and Kit Chee (1997). Understanding ADHD: A Parent’s Guide to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children. ISBN: 9780091817008
  • Thomas Phelan (2016). 1-2-3 Magic: 3-Step Discipline for Calm, Effective, and Happy Parenting. ISBN: 9781492629887