Many students at Launchpad have a diagnosis of ADHD. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders and it can continue through adolescence and into adulthood. Symptoms include difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behaviour, and hyperactivity (over-activity).

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a condition where you may have lots of energy and have difficulty concentrating. They might also find it hard to control what they say and do. For example, they might speak without thinking first, or find that they do things on impulse.

Symptoms usually start very early life, before the age of six. We don't know exactly what causes ADHD but experts think it might run in families, or it could be to do with the way the chemicals in your brain work. But they might start to experience ADHD-like symptoms if they’ve had a difficult experience.

Another condition called ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) has similar symptoms to ADHD, but they don’t feel as hyperactive. For people with ADD, the main problem they have is difficulty concentrating.

Support and information for parents

Treatment with medication can improve symptoms of ADHD quite dramatically. Medication is not a cure for ADHD. Medication is only one strategy you can use to live successfully with ADHD. Remember that daily exercise, good sleep, healthy nutrition, social skills training and cognitive behavioural therapy, are all important tools in living successfully with ADHD.

If you need to discuss your child’s medication or diagnosis, please contact Tracey Harvey at Launchpad.

Tel: 01744 673351

Email: traceyharvey@sthelens.gov.uk

Source and further reading:

https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/conditions/adhd-and-mental-health/

https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/