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Basic sensory strategies for kids with ADHD

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Both deafness and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, known as ADHD, can impact on language and communication, learning and mental well-being. Read about ADHD, diagnosis and parenting a deaf child who has ADHD.

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Mental health advice and support for young people with ADHD

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What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a type of condition known as a neurodevelopmental condition.

Neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD affect the way your brain develops and works, which can impact your behaviour and the way you experience the world around you.

Around one in 20 young people have ADHD. While it is not a mental health condition or a learning disability, some people with ADHD might experience mental health conditions as well.

If you have ADHD your brain might work differently to other people's. It means that the way your brain controls your concentration, activity levels and impulses is a bit different - this is a form of neurodiversity.

For example, you might act without thinking about the consequences or be very easily distracted. However, it's important to remember that people with ADHD can and do live happy and healthy lives.

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Artwork credit: @the_mini_adhd_coach. The artwork depicts a person with a pink bob hairstyle and a peaceful expression. Their head sits on a light blue background. Text placed around the person reads 'it's ok to feel overwhelmed'.

Symptoms tend to start very early in life, before the age of six. Lots of people will get an ADHD diagnosis at this age, but you can be diagnosed at any stage in your life and you might not realise you have ADHD until you're much older.

Symptoms for ADHD can be different for everyone and can depend on your age, sex, gender identity and whether you have any other neurodevelopmental conditions.

ADHD can run in families, but the cause is mostly unknown.

I have ADHD and other people will have it too, so don't think you're alone because you are not. I know it's hard but we can all get through it if we stay strong, be brave and overcome our worries and fears.

How can ADHD affect me?

If you experience any of these symptoms it doesn't mean you definitely have ADHD. But if any of them are affecting your everyday life, you should talk to your GP or a trusted adult for advice.

Symptoms can include:

feeling restless or fidgety (e.g. struggling to sit still in class)

talking a lot and interrupting others

becoming easily distracted or having difficulty concentrating, like finding it hard to watch a film at the cinema

having difficulty making or keeping friends

being forgetful or missing important appointments

feeling very sensitive or overly emotional

saying or doing things without thinking

For a long time, it was thought that women and girls were much less likely to have ADHD than boys and men. This is not true, however women and girls might experience ADHD differently to boys and men.

For example, female-identifying people might be more likely to experience symptoms such as:

struggling to relax or unwind

feeling overwhelmed when making decisions

your mind often drifting when other people are talking

feeling overwhelmed in social situations

For a long time I thought I couldn't have ADHD because I didn't relate to the hyperactivity.

What to do if you think you might have ADHD

If you think you might have ADHD, it's important to remember that you don't have to go through it alone and there is help available.

Tell your GP about your symptoms. We know it can be challenging to talk to your GP, but they may be able to support you, refer you to a specialist for an ADHD assessment, or refer you to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) if you need any mental health support before or after your assessment.

To find out if you have ADHD you'll need to talk to an expert, like a specialist child or adult psychiatrist.

They'll ask you some questions and you will fill in some questionnaires about how you're feeling and the symptoms you've experienced - this is called an assessment. They will also ask your permission to speak to your parents and teachers as part of the assessment.

Your family might not be supportive of you being assessed but it's important for you to get the right support for you.

There might be other reasons for your ADHD symptoms such as anxiety or depression. The ADHD specialist will be able to tell you more following your assessment.

Advice on how to manage your ADHD

There are many things you can do to help manage your ADHD. Below are some ideas based on what young people have told us helps them.

It is very comforting and validating to see other people have similar struggles. We talk a lot about the way things are going and give each other tips or help around things.

ADHD and your mental health

ADHD can leave you feeling out of control and overwhelmed.

People might not understand what you're going through and could think you are acting out or being difficult, or criticise and punish you unnecessarily. This can make you feel isolated and depressed, or it can lead to feelings of low self-esteem, especially if you're comparing yourself to your friends who might behave differently to you.

You might also find it hard to sleep, meaning you feel tired, run down and struggle to concentrate. It can help to cut down on caffeine or other stimulants after 4pm as this can also impact your sleeping patterns.

However, having ADHD can also mean that you're really passionate about lots of things. Our brains all work differently and there is no "right way" to be - recognising that is what neurodiversity is all about. If you're struggling with your mental health, these can be positive things to focus on.

It can be really helpful to talk to your friends, family and teachers about how you feel and how they can support you. Let them know what you do and don't find helpful so that they can do their best to help.

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Artwork credit: @authenticallyadhd. The artwork features drawings of stars, moons and planets on a light blue background. One larger planet with arms is giving itself a hug and the text reads: 'don't forget to give yourself the same love you give everyone else'.

Some tips from our Activists that can help with your ADHD symptoms include:

taking time out and finding ways to relax, or taking regular breaks

letting teachers/lecturers know about your ADHD so you can come up with helpful strategies together

registering with the disabilities services at university so you can get the right support in lectures and exams as well as with assignments

regular exercise and eating healthily

making notes or keeping lists to stay on top of things

Tips for managing your mental health if you have ADHD include:

creating a routine for the day

setting clear boundaries in your personal, school or professional life

reflecting on the day and what you achieved - this can be as small as getting to school/work or getting through a lesson

removing yourself from any stressful situations

finding the best ways for you to cope in social situations

looking at local support groups

recognising potential triggers that might make your symptoms worse; these will be unique to each person but could include being over-stimulated

Other common questions people ask about ADHD

ADHD is something that you're born with so you won't 'grow out of it'. However, lots of people do say that their symptoms get a bit better as they get older.

What medicines are used to treat ADHD symptoms?

The below medicines are most frequently prescribed to people with ADHD. These are not a cure, but can help many people to manage some of the symptoms. The medication must be prescribed and checked by a doctor. Click each medication to find out more about what it does and potential side effects.

What support groups are there for people with ADHD?

There are lots of support groups across the UK for children, young people and their families to get help and advice around coping with ADHD. Visit ADHDUK for more information on the groups in your area.

More help and advice

We have information and advice on a range of subjects

Get help now

If you're worried, stressed or struggling to cope you are not alone. Here are some services that can help you.

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ADHD and Mental Health | Signs and Symptoms of ADHD

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What is ADHD? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a type of condition known as a neurodevelopmental condition. Neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD affect the way your brain develops and works, which can impact your behaviour and the way you experience the world around you. Around one in 20 young people have ADHD.