ADHD Services for Children and Young People

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects many children and young people, impacting their behaviour, emotions, and ability to concentrate. At The Owl Centre, we believe that understanding ADHD is crucial in providing the right support and helping children reach their full potential. Let’s delve into the challenges and strengths associated with ADHD, and explore the different ways it can present, especially in females.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that is more severe and frequent than typically observed in children at a similar developmental stage. While these behaviours can vary from person to person, they often interfere with daily functioning and development.

The Challenges of ADHD

Inattention

Children with ADHD may struggle to maintain focus, especially on tasks that are not particularly engaging. They might:

Make careless mistakes in schoolwork
Have difficulty organising tasks and activities
Avoid or dislike tasks that require sustained mental effort
Be easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
Be forgetful in daily activities

Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity can present as excessive physical movement or an inability to remain still. Sometimes, it can present as ‘inner restlessness’ rather than physical. Children with hyperactive ADHD might:

Fidget or squirm in their seats
Leave their seats in situations where staying seated is expected
Run or climb in inappropriate situations
Have difficulty playing quietly
Be constantly “on the go” or act as if “driven by a motor”

Impulsivity

Impulsivity can lead to hasty actions without forethought. Children with impulsive ADHD might:

Blurt out answers before questions have been completed
Have difficulty waiting for their turn
Interrupt or intrude on others’ conversations or games

ADHD in Females

ADHD often presents differently in females, leading to underdiagnosis and late diagnosis. Girls are more likely to exhibit the inattentive type of ADHD, which might be mistaken for daydreaming or shyness. They may:

Struggle silently with attention issues, going unnoticed by teachers and parents
Have internalised symptoms, such as anxiety and low self-esteem
Display fewer hyperactive behaviours compared to boys

Understanding these differences is crucial for proper identification and support. The Owl Centre is committed to raising awareness about the unique ways ADHD can manifest in females and ensuring they receive the appropriate care and interventions.

Strengths Associated with ADHD

While ADHD can present significant challenges, it’s important to recognise the strengths and positive traits that often accompany it. Children and young people with ADHD can be incredibly:

Creative: They often think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas.
Energetic: Their high energy levels can be channelled into sports and other physical activities.
Spontaneous: Their impulsivity can lead to fun and adventurous experiences.
Resilient: Facing challenges from an early age can build strong coping skills and resilience.
Empathetic: Many children with ADHD are highly empathetic and sensitive to others’ feelings.

Different Presentations of ADHD

ADHD is typically classified into three types: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined presentation. Understanding these types helps in tailoring the right support and strategies.

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

This type is characterised mainly by inattention and distractibility without hyperactive and impulsive behaviours. Children with this presentation may:

Appear daydreamy and forgetful
Have difficulty following instructions
Struggle with organising tasks and activities

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation

Children with this type exhibit predominantly hyperactive and impulsive behaviours. They may:

Be in constant motion, fidgeting and squirming
Act without thinking, leading to risk-taking behaviours
Find it hard to wait their turn in games or conversations

Combined Presentation

This is the most common type of ADHD and includes symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Children with this presentation may:

Exhibit a mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behaviours
Face challenges in multiple areas of their lives, from school to home to social settings

Supporting Children and Young People with ADHD

At The Owl Centre, we believe in a holistic approach to supporting children and young people with ADHD. This includes:

Early Assessment and Diagnosis: Early identification of ADHD can lead to better outcomes. Our comprehensive assessments involve gathering information from multiple sources, including parents, teachers, and the child, to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Individualised Intervention Plans: Every child is unique, and so are their needs. We create tailored intervention plans that address the specific challenges and strengths of each child.
Parent and Teacher Training: Educating parents and teachers about ADHD helps create a supportive environment. Training sessions can provide strategies for managing behaviours and supporting learning.
Behavioural Therapy: Techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help children develop coping strategies and improve their focus and self-control.
Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms. It’s important to work closely with healthcare professionals to find the right medication and dosage.

Encouraging a Strength-Based Perspective

Focusing on the strengths of children with ADHD is crucial for their self-esteem and overall development. Here are some ways to encourage a strength-based perspective:

Celebrate Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate even small victories. Positive reinforcement can boost confidence and motivation.
Foster Interests and Talents: Encourage children to pursue activities they enjoy and excel in. This could be sports, arts, music, or any other area of interest.
Build on Strengths: Use their strengths to address challenges. For example, a child with high energy might benefit from active learning techniques or physical activities that help them focus.
Promote Self-Advocacy: Teach children to understand their ADHD and advocate for their needs. This empowers them to take control of their learning and development.