ADHD in children
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder. ADHD is, in essence, a problem of executive functioning, in other words, people with ADHD tend to experience difficulties with the area of the brain that helps us to focus, organise, plan and regulate our emotions.
ADHD can be experienced in infinite ways by different individuals. Some stand-out ADHD symptoms in children include:
difficulties with being disorganised and distracted,
finding it hard to get going or finish tasks,
chronically misplacing or losing things,
continually experiencing time blindness and
zoning out of conversations.
As parents, it is natural to monitor and perhaps question children’s behaviour, in particular when compared in relation to other children of the same age. Whilst social media can be useful in identifying some clusters of symptoms, it can also mean we tend to overlook things in children that are age appropriate such as: children under 5 who find it hard to sit still and interrupt frequently or experience frustration when awaiting their turn. Additionally, children develop at different rates and there are individual differences in development that must be considered.
When ADHD has been clinically indicated it is observable across different settings such as home and school. The stereotype of a hyperactive boy defining ADHD is an old-fashioned one and there is much more nuance to consider. For example, children can experience sensory difficulties, such a sensitivity to the way clothes feel, light and sounds. However this can also be part of other difficulties such as sensory processing difficulties.
It may be useful to consider for what purpose you may seek an ADHD assessment
If your child is young or experiencing transitions or trauma, it can be difficult to disentangle what is contributing to which difficulties. Often it can be useful to adopt strategies that may be beneficial to emotional regulation and to strengthen executive functioning to see if this has a positive impact. Medication is indeed clinically indicated in certain cases, but it is certainly not the panacea to all difficulties. It can be worth also considering if there are wider difficulties in the family system and whether change needs to be contemplated, together.
With the NHS being more squeezed than ever before, social media is having a phenomenal affect in increasing awareness and understanding of our health in a way that wasn’t available until now. Information is accessible, relatable and easy to find. With many celebrities disclosing their own difficulties, it can be so helpful in demystifying and destigmatising many conditions. However, it is important to be wary of the sources of information that you are looking at. There are vast numbers of widely available ADHD questionnaires that are not valid and have no substitute for clinical assessment and treatment.
The Soke offers parents a unique opportunity in the form of a one-hour consultation with a General Paediatrician in order to ascertain the most suitable neurodevelopmental assessment for your child or adolescent. The consultation will take into account the developmental history of the child as well as any particular challenges that are presenting at the moment, taking into account both the family’s perspective, and the school’s input. The importance of early intervention is paramount. An appointment for a consultation can be arranged within one month of first contact at The Soke, whilst a diagnosis can be expected in three months.
Following the consultation, an assessment pathway will be recommended which can include:
ADHD diagnostic assessment
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnostic assessment
ADHD and ASD diagnostic assessment
Comprehensive (complex) ADHD, ASD & neurodevelopmental assessment
To find out more and to discuss any queries with our Assistant Psychologists, please contact The Soke’s Client Services Team.