Caring for an attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) child

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a natural part of human neurodiversity, and researchers continue to learn more about it.

ADHD children can have trouble concentrating, be overactive and often act on impulse. These differences can sometimes affect how a child participates at home and at school. Supporting an ADHD child often involves practical strategies and, where needed, support from a healthcare team.

It is common for children to get distracted and to have lots of energy. If this pattern is ongoing and begins to affect daily life, your child may be ADHD, which is a form of neurodivergence.

ADHD children may face more challenges with socialising and learning. Traits may continue into adolescence and adulthood. ADHD can be supported with:

• psychological and behavioural therapies
• positive parenting techniques
• classroom management strategies
• medicine (sometimes)

ADHD reflects natural differences in attention, energy and self-regulation. ADHD children might:

• be easily distracted
• have a hard time listening or concentrating
• forget instructions
• interrupt often
• be constantly moving or fidgeting
• struggle to do things quietly when expected

These traits can present in any child and may look different from one child to another.

See your doctor if you think your child might have signs of ADHD.

ADHD can be hard to diagnose because there is no single test for it and its traits can overlap with other health or developmental conditions.

Your doctor might refer you to a paediatrician, a psychologist or a child psychiatrist for further support.

It is helpful to diagnose ADHD early so that supports can begin.

Remember that some health professionals might wait before diagnosing ADHD in young children. This is because children develop and change very quickly at this early stage of life.

Understanding that your child is ADHD can help your family learn new ways to support each other and grow together.

If you have an ADHD child, you can work with health professionals to develop a support plan that builds on your child's strengths and support needs.

Discuss your plan with other members of your family and any carers or friends that regularly spend time with your child.

There are things that you can do to support your ADHD child in daily life.

Here are some everyday things you can try:

• Make sure your child eats well and has enough sleep.
• Keep to a daily routine and let your child know if this is going to change.
• Try to go out every day so your child can use up energy.
• Have rest breaks during activities.

It is also helpful to learn these habits when interacting with your child:

• Give clear instructions.
• Give lots of praise for positive behaviour and achievements.
• If possible, schedule regular time for you and your child to do something enjoyable.

If there are behaviours you would like to minimise, you can try to:

• ignore minor, attention-seeking behaviours
• explain the consequences of a specific behaviour
• choose consequences you can follow through with

You may be eligible for financial support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (Opens in new tab) (NDIS). Eligibility is based on your child's support needs, not just a diagnosis.

Children under 7 years

Some ADHD children may be eligible for National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding. You can apply to the NDIS if your child has developmental differences or support needs. Your child can access services with NDIS funding before getting a formal diagnosis.

Carer support

Caring for an ADHD child can be a long-term role. There are support services available, such as counselling, respite or joining a support group. There are income and financial supports that could be available to carers.

Contact Services Australia (Centrelink (Opens in new tab)) for financial help, including payments for carers (Opens in new tab).

Read more on childhood disability and parenting support.

Your doctor can talk to you about support options for your ADHD child.

If you need advice or emotional support, talk to a Pregnancy, Birth and Baby maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436.

• ADHD Australia (Opens in new tab) has information on ADHD as well as support groups (Opens in new tab) and other resources.
• The Royal Children's Hospital has a factsheet on ways you can support your ADHD child (Opens in new tab).
• For more information on support and help for carers (Opens in new tab), visit the Carer Gateway website.

Other resources that may be useful include:

• headspace (Opens in new tab)
• Kids Helpline (Opens in new tab) (1800 55 1800)

Languages other than English

The West Australian Child and Adolescent Health Service has information on ADHD (Opens in new tab) available in several community languages.

Carer Gateway has information available in many community languages on support for unpaid carers (Opens in new tab).

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) or Affiliate (Opens in new tab) near you.

Yarning SafeNStrong (Opens in new tab) is a free counselling service for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, supporting people, friends and families with wellbeing.