Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Service for Children

Many of the team have first-hand experience of ADHD and are acutely aware of the challenges their young patients, and their caregivers face.

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ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that presents differently in children, with symptoms evolving as they mature. Notably, not all kids with ADHD display identical symptoms, and their intensity varies from mild to severe.

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Symptoms often start to become noticeable in early childhood, usually before the age of 12. ADHD can affect various aspects of a child's life, including school performance, social interactions, and family relationships. It's essential to rule out other medical or psychological conditions that may mimic ADHD symptoms, as some medical conditions or trauma can lead to similar behaviours.

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It's essential to understand that these behaviours can be part of normal childhood development. An ADHD diagnosis is typically made when these behaviours are more frequent, severe, and persistent than what is considered developmentally appropriate for a child's age.

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Formal diagnosis usually occurs after six months of persistent symptoms that significantly disrupt daily life. There are three primary childhood ADHD presentations that need to be present for accurate diagnosis: Inattentive presentation (formerly ADD), Hyperactive-Impulsive presentation and Combined presentation, which is the most common type of presentation, encompassing both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

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The team is governed by strong professional principles when it comes to the practice’s young patients, insisting on seeing children face-to-face in the clinic for an ADHD assessment. This ensures each child is assessed comprehensively, with their behaviour, attention and how they function in various settings taken into consideration. Non-verbal cues, body language, and interaction patterns are also very valuable in helping to reach a diagnosis which can be more challenging when assessing virtually.

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The assessment is completed in two phases, a consultation with an experienced Consultant Paediatrician or Psychiatrist, and a completion of a Conners Questionnaire assessment by at least one carer, and another adult who knows the child in another setting, e.g. a schoolteacher. This helps to ensure accurate diagnosis and rule out common coexisting conditions.

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Following the consultation, a full comprehensive report is written which will outline how the assessment was carried out, and the diagnostic conclusion. It will also contain a management plan. You should receive the report within 21 working days following your consultation. This report can be taken to any relevant third party to start accessing treatment or support, for instance; your GP or school.

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Referrals to our relevant therapists (e.g. nutritionists, coaches, neurodevelopmental interventions) will be made if advised by the Consultant and agreed with the family.

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For those with newly diagnosed ADHD, consideration can be given to prescribe ADHD medication, such as stimulant medication. Non-pharmacological interventions such as coaching, family awareness, and school support as well as nutrition and neurodevelopmental interventions can make the manifestations of ADHD much more manageable, and medication may not be needed once they are in place.

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The decision to start medication, and the timing of starting, will vary from family-to-family and we recommend a separate 45-minute appointment with the paediatrician to go over the pros and cons of medication, how it is prescribed and taken, how long people take it for, and so on.

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If your child does start medication and finds it helpful, expert monitoring and dose adjustment is important, until a steady therapeutic state is obtained. This can be provided by the Harley Row Clinic consultants via a 30-minute follow-up consultation. Once the optimal dose is established, your child's GP will usually take over repeat prescribing.

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Harley Row Clinic also adopts innovative techniques to specifically treat children and young people, including the use of a video game platform that gamifies assessment and part of a treatment plan. This game-based technique can aid identification of ADHD and improve attention, focus and self-regulation skills. The clinic also offers biofeedback treatment, which is recognised as a proven and very effective intervention for the management of ADHD symptoms.

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A child’s diagnosis can be overwhelming and emotionally taxing on parents, guardians, and other family members. As part of the team’s duty of care coaching, counselling, group therapy, guidance and support is available to caregivers, to help them manage the child’s diagnosis, while maintaining their own wellbeing.