Supporting a child with ADHD at home

If your child has ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), it can have an impact on the whole family. Understanding your child’s behaviour and what they might need from you can have a positive effect on your child and family.

We also have information about the different types of ADHD, if you think your child may have ADHD but they don’t have a diagnosis.

Although a lot of the signs of ADHD are behavioural, it’s important to remember that ADHD is a neurological disorder and not a challenging behaviour. Your child isn’t deliberately misbehaving, but ADHD can make them inattentive, hyperactive or impulsive. The NHS website has information about the symptoms of ADHD

Try not to judge your child’s behaviour or take it personally. Many of their more behaviours will be a reflex reaction that they have little or no control over. If they make reflex negative comments, they are not trying to hurt you.

Every child is different and the support they need will be individual to them. This advice will help you to find the right strategies for your child:

• If your child has an EHCP or an IEP at school, this will explain the way they support them at school. You might find that there are some strategies from school that you can use at home to keep things consistent
• Ask yourself questions about your child’s behaviour – are there particular things that trigger their behaviour, like tasks they find difficult to do? Once you have found these you can try to pre-empt problems and come up with coping strategies.
• Communication is key. Speak clearly and succinctly to your child and explain the plan for the day and what is expected of them. You could roleplay social situations to help to prepare them.
• Use visual aids and timetables. This can help children with ADHD to follow instructions and take in information.
• Set clear boundaries but allow flexibility for change. make sure your child understands what is expected of them and what the consequences are. However, you will need to review and adapt strategies with your child if they are finding it difficult to follow expectations.
• Set a clear bedtime routine. You can also speak to your doctor about possible supplements that might help with sleep.
• Look for how to help your child get exercise on a daily basis. Think about what they might enjoy. Using up energy should help them fall to sleep later.
• Talk to your doctor or health visitor about how nutrition can affect mood and behaviour. Make a food plan that suits your child.
• Some children benefit from therapy or medication to help them manage their symptoms. If you want to know more about the treatments available, the NHS has information about treatment for ADHD, or talk to your GP.

Having a child with ADHD can feel like it disrupts family life. Many parents say they find their child’s ADHD demanding and, at times, exhausting. Siblings might find it hard to understand why the child with ADHD behaves the way they do or might feel like they are getting all the attention.

Try to stay positive and be open to compromise. You don’t need to win every battle. Believe in your child and be patient with them and you can work with them to find a routine that’s right for your child and the whole family

• Speak to the SENCo (special educational needs co-ordinator) at your child’s school. They should be able to help you with any challenges and put extra support in place.
• The ADHD Foundation has advice and support for parents and carers. 
• Find your local SENDIASS. This stands for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Services. You can also get advice online.
• The NHS has advice on living with ADHD.
• Find advice on looking after youself and your child from ADHD and You. 
• Sibs is a charity that offers advice and support for siblings of disabled children and adults