ADHD

Professionals usually categorise ADHD into three sub-types. But it’s important to remember that every person with ADHD will experience it differently, with their own combination of elements that are tricky and others that are less challenging.

Predominantly inattentive ADHD affects the way that people regulate their attention and focus, for example it may be harder to concentrate if a task is not particularly interesting or engaging. Some people may be more easily distracted from a task or find it harder to listen to and follow instructions, especially if there are many steps. It can also mean that planning is trickier – so it may be harder to prioritise tasks and get started on them, for instance. It can also mean that some people might seem forgetful or often lose things, as organisation can be more challenging than for people without ADHD.

Predominantly hyperactive ADHD affects a person’s ability to regulate their systems. Some people with hyperactive ADHD may need to move more than people without ADHD, which can make it harder than people without ADHD to sit still and focus. This can be a particular challenge at school, where there is an expectation that students will sit quietly and concentrate for long periods.

Some people with hyperactive ADHD may talk very fast or skip between topics, while others might do things impulsively or take more risks than people without ADHD.

Combined type ADHD – this phrase may be used by professionals if a person has elements of both of inattentive and hyperactive ADHD.

Co-occuring conditions

You may hear some neurodiverse people using the phrase ‘AuDHD’, to describe themselves, especially on social media. This is short-hand for having both autism and ADHD as they can be co-occurring conditions. However, it’s important to remember that not everyone who has ADHD will have autism and vice versa.

Some, but not all, people with ADHD may have other co-occurring conditions such as dyslexia or dyspraxia, difficulties getting to sleep or staying asleep, for example.

ADHD can change as a child grows older. On a day-to-day basis it can also be influenced by other factors such as sleep, stress levels and physical and mental health, as at times when someone is not feeling their best it can be harder to self-regulate.

If you are waiting for your child or young person to be assessed for ADHD, or you are thinking of asking a GP or your child’s school to make a referral to start the process, you can access some support while you are waiting.

For example, if your child is at school or nursery and staff have identified that they have a special educational need or disability (SEND), they are entitled to get any extra support they need to make progress, whether they have a diagnosis or not. You can read more about getting SEN support in school and nursery in detail in our Education section.

There are a number of other Amaze services that can help you, too.

Amaze’s NDP Family Support service is for parent carers with a child or young person who is at any point along the assessment pathway for a neurodevelopmental difference such as ADHD or autism. You can get advice and guidance right from when a problem is first flagged, through assessment, diagnosis (or otherwise) and beyond.

We run parent support groups across Brighton & Hove and East Sussex, which you may find helpful to come along to. If it is tricky to attend groups in person, we also have online groups that parents can join.

For impartial information, advice and support on education, health, social care and disability related benefits, contact our SENDIASS advice line.

If your child or young person’s needs mean that they need much more care than other people of the same age, you might wish to consider applying for Disability Living Allowance for under 16s, or Personal Independence Payment for over 16s. You can apply, even if your child or young person does not have a diagnosis.

For details of other local services, see your Local Offer. This is your local authority’s online listing of all the services and support that are available to families of children and young people with SEND in the area.

• Brighton & Hove’s Local Offer
• East Sussex Local Offer

ADHD Aware – information and advice for parent carers, young people and adults and regular peer support groups that meet online.

ADHD support group – informal support group in Hastings for adults who have ADHD or autism.

Amaze runs regular parent support groups in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex for parent carers in partnership with the local parent carer forums.  Including groups specifically for parents of children with ADHD or those on the neurodevelopmental pathway. See our parent support groups page.

Brighton Pebbles – is a support group for parents and carers of children with any disability, especially those who find it difficult to access mainstream activities, for instance, those on the neurodevelopmental pathway or with distressing behaviour. Visit their website or join their private Facebook group.