# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.

Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child's circumstances change, such as when they start school.

Most cases are diagnosed when children are under 12 years old, but sometimes it's diagnosed later in childhood.

Sometimes ADHD was not recognised when someone was a child, and they are diagnosed later as an adult.

The symptoms of ADHD may improve with age, but many adults who were diagnosed with the condition at a young age continue to experience problems.

People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders.

Getting help

Many children go through phases where they're restless or inattentive. This is often completely normal and does not necessarily mean they have ADHD.

But you should discuss your concerns with your child's teacher, their school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) or a GP if you think their behaviour may be different from most children their age.

It's also a good idea to speak to a GP if you're an adult and think you may have ADHD, but were not diagnosed with the condition as a child.

What causes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

The exact cause of ADHD is unknown, but the condition has been shown to run in families.

Research has also identified a number of possible differences in the brains of people with ADHD when compared with those without the condition.

Other factors suggested as potentially having a role in ADHD include:

being born prematurely (before the 37th week of pregnancy)

having a low birthweight

smoking or alcohol or drug abuse during pregnancy

ADHD can occur in people of any intellectual ability, although it's more common in people with learning difficulties.

How attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is treated

For children with ADHD, although there's no cure, it can be managed with appropriate educational support, advice and support for parents and affected children, alongside medicine, if necessary.

For adults with ADHD, medicine is often the first treatment offered, although psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may also help.

Living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Parents of children with ADHD

Looking after a child with ADHD can be challenging, but it's important to remember that they cannot help their behaviour.

Some day-to-day activities might be more difficult for you and your child, including:

getting your child to sleep at night

getting ready for school on time

listening to and carrying out instructions

being organised

social occasions

shopping

Adults with ADHD

Adults with ADHD may find they have problems with:

organisation and time management

following instructions

focusing and completing tasks

coping with stress

feeling restless or impatient

impulsiveness and risk taking

Some adults may also have issues with relationships or social interaction.

Page last reviewed: 24 December 2021
Next review due: 24 December 2024

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Read about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a condition that affects people's behaviour.

# data[].attributes.headline
What do I do once my child has an ADHD diagnosis?

# data[].attributes.subject
What do I do once my child has an ADHD diagnosis?

# data[].attributes.body
A booklet with guidance for parents of children with ADHD

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
ADDISS ( 020 8952 2800 ) provides information and support for parents and children with ADHD.

A foundation who works with individuals with ADHD and those around them to provide support, raise awareness and promote positive change.

Resource centre with lots of practical tips for home and school for a range of difficulties including ADHD. Click here for more information.

ADHD Voices brings the perspectives and experiences of children into international debates around rising child psychiatric diagnoses and the increasing use of drugs in child psychiatry.

CHADD is an organisation that provides education, advocacy and support for individuals with ADHD and their families.

Janssen: Living With ADHD
Whether you have been diagnosed with ADHD, or are the parent/carer or teacher of someone who has the condition, this website will help you face the challenges you may have and address any questions and concerns.

Kids Health

Information on ADHD particularly useful for children and young people. Search ADHD for more information.

NHS Treatment Information

Mental Health/Emotional Support and Wellbeing/Behavioural Support

ADHD Guide for Parents and Carers

ADHD in Children and Young People: A Simple Guide for Parents and Carers booklet.

All Saints Youth Project

All Saints Youth Project (0121 4431842) falls under the umbrella of All Saints Community Projects, whose overall purpose is to provide services and facilities to improve the social welfare and health of people in Birmingham.

Anxiety Canada provides self-help resources, programs and services for children, youth, adults and educators on anxiety.

Here for children, young people, care leavers, families and carers

Offer advice related to helping young people to build confidence and self-esteem, making new friends and coping with feelings. Available to talk about any issue.

Family Lives (0808 8002222): help with behaviour management.

Support for self harm

Support for anxiety

Support for eating disorders

Support for substance misuse

Support for suicidal thoughts

Support for OCD

Help for all families: leaflet with useful advice and links.

This organisation brings together world-leading researchers to learn more about the triggers and causes of mental health problems. Their website gives information on conditions like ADHD and medication used to manage it.

Mental health charity that makes short films and fact sheets about conditions like ADHD.

Pause (Forward Thinking Birmingham), 21 Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 6BJ (0300 300 0099): Support offered to young people up to the age of 25 years with advice, sign posting and support with any concerns related to mental and emotional wellbeing.

Drop in sessions:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am-6pm.

Wednesday - 12-8pm.

Saturday and Sunday - 11am - 4pm.

Parenting Approach: Non-Violent Resistance (NVR)

Young Minds (0808 802 5544 - parents' helpline): the UK's leading charity for children and young people's mental health. Provides advice on online resources, training and development, outreach work.

Youth Offending Service : telephone 0121 464 0600 kingsmere 18 Gravelly Hill Erdington Birmingham B23 6BQ https://www.birminghamchildrenstrust.co.uk

Education and training

Birmingham SENDIASS offers impartial information, advice and support to children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities.

Children's Services - Education and Children Social Services

Birmingham Children's Services ( 0121 303 1888 ): information about Birmingham schools including school places & regarding Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP).

South and City Birmingham College ( 121 694 5000 or 0800 111 6311 ): educational support for young people who have ADHD.

Birmingham SENDIASS offers impartial information, advice and support to children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities.

Birmingham School Exclusions Team (0121 3032685): learning support when children are excluded.

Safeguarding/concerns for safety/family support

Contact if a child/young persons is at risk/harm ( 0121 303 1888) . Support for families, please visit website for further details.

NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)

Support for children, young people, parents, families and professionals. Please click here for more information.

Sleep

Cerebra Sleep Service ( 0800 328 1159) to help children ( and their families, ) who have trouble sleeping. They have a team of sleep practitioners who can offer help and advice on overcoming sleep problems such as anxiety at night and not being able to go to sleep.

How to Sleep Guide: Teen Sleep Guide download.

Why do we need sleep leaflet.

Other useful services

Identifies local amenities that are accessible to children with additional needs

Tourettes support for young people.

An excellent resource for educators.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ADDISS ( 020 8952 2800 ) provides information and support for parents and children with ADHD. A foundation who works with individuals with ADHD and those around them to provide support, raise awareness and promote positive change. Resource centre with lots of practical tips for home and school for a range of difficulties including ADHD.

# data[].attributes.body
A booklet for parents

# data[].attributes.headline
Online safety for families and children with SEND

# data[].attributes.subject
Online safety for families and children with SEND

# data[].attributes.body
We have partnered with Ambitious about Autism to bring online safety tips, advice and activities specifically for parents and carers of children with SEND.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Online safety for families and children with SEND

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Online safety for families and children with SEND

# data[].attributes.body
Here you can find out about different types of leisure activities that are available in Birmingham for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you are a parent looking for activities for you and your child to enjoy or a young person who would like to attend a new club this page will help you find what you are looking for.

Bring it on Brum has a list of holiday activities for children and young people with additional needs

Here you can find out about different types of leisure activities that are available in Birmingham for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. We have made every attempt to ensure all information held here is accurate, but we cannot accept any responsibility for third party services.
List of parks, leisure and wellbeing resources from Birmingham City Council Birmingham Route 2 Wellbeing Youth Activities AccessAble Guide to Birmingham 'Day out with the Kids' Birmingham

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you are a parent looking for activities for you and your child to enjoy or a young person who would like to attend a new club this page will help you find what you are looking for.

# data[].attributes.body
Helping young children learn toileting skills from the ERIC website

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty which primarily affects reading and writing skills. However, it does not only affect these skills. Dyslexia is actually about information processing. Dyslexic people may have difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear, which can affect learning and the acquisition of literacy skills. Dyslexia can also impact on other areas such as organisational skills.

It is important to remember that there are positives to thinking differently. Many dyslexic people show strengths in areas such as reasoning and in visual and creative fields.

Definition of dyslexia

The BDA has adopted the Rose (2009) definition of dyslexia:

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling. Characteristic features of dyslexia are difficulties in phonological awareness, verbal memory and verbal processing speed. Dyslexia occurs across the range of intellectual abilities. It is best thought of as a continuum, not a distinct category, and there are no clear cut-off points. Co-occurring difficulties may be seen in aspects of language, motor co-ordination, mental calculation, concentration and personal organisation, but these are not, by themselves, markers of dyslexia. A good indication of the severity and persistence of dyslexic difficulties can be gained by examining how the individual responds or has responded to well-founded intervention.

In addition to these characteristics:

The British Dyslexia Association (BDA) acknowledges the visual and auditory processing difficulties that some individuals with dyslexia can experience, and points out that dyslexic readers can show a combination of abilities and difficulties that affect the learning process. Some also have strengths in other areas, such as design, problem solving, creative skills, interactive skills and oral skills.

BDA (2010)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What is dyslexia? - British Dyslexia Association

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty which primarily affects reading and writing skills. However, it does not only affect these skills. Dyslexia is actually about information processing. Dyslexic people may have difficulty processing and remembering information they see and hear, which can affect learning and the acquisition of literacy skills.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Developmental Language Disorder / language difficulties in older children : Birmingham Community Healthcare

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There are several ways you can encourage and make it easier for your child to communicate:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome to RADLD.ORG, created to Raise Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder or 'DLD'. Here you will learn more about DLD, access resources and find out how to raise awareness.

SAVE THE DATE | DLD Day #dldday

Friday 18 October 2024

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR SUPPORTING The 2023 DLD Day theme is 'DLD Around the World'.

Please share our website with family, friends and professionals. Our website is constantly growing, so please check in regularly. Send us your ideas or links to your own resources or activities about DLD to hello@radld.org.

DLD AROUND THE WORLD

Click on a highlighted country to see our international committee pages:

Meet RADLD Spokesperson Marie-Soleil Labelle "Sunny"

Hear about Growing with DLD from our RADLD Spokesperson Race Car Driver Marie-Soleil Labelle "Sunny".

The 2023 Dorothy Bishop lecture

Join RADLD for our annual Dorothy Bishop lecture in the lead up to #DLDday 2023 presented by Prof. Elizabeth Peña!

Learn more about RADLD

Learn more about DLD

How well do you know Developmental Language Disorder? Take our short quiz to test your knowledge.

More information

Here we share resources to help build your knowledge of this hidden but common condition.

More information

SAVE THE DATE | #DLDDAY 2024 FRIDAY 18 OCTOBER 2024 Developmental Language Disorder is a hidden but common disability that affects 1 in 14 people causing difficulties understanding and using language for no known reason. The 2024 DLDday theme will be announced in the coming months. Please contact the RADLD...

More information

Developmental Language Disorder

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is the new term to replace Specific Language Impairment (SLI). Developmental Language Disorder is diagnosed when children fail to acquire their own language for no obvious reason. This results in children who have difficulty understanding what people say to them, and struggle to articulate their ideas and feelings. Recent research has shown that, on average,...

More information

Newsroom

Race car driver Marie-Soleil Labelle races to raise awareness of DLD/TDL as RADLD's first official Spokesperson Quebec (CA) Race car driver and bilingual French-English speaker, Marie-Soleil Labelle is known affectionately as 'Sunny'. RADLD is excited to announce that Sunny has joined us as our first official spokesperson. Sunny has...

read more

Amelia, a 9-Year-Old UK school girl and RADLD Ambassador, is living her best life. With support, she continues to reach her goals despite being diagnosed with an 'invisible' communication disability affecting 2 students in every class of 30. Amelia loves to be busy! She plays the cornet, enjoys dance,...

read more

Marie-Soleil Labelle is a young racing car driver from Quebec. Marie-Soleil has Developmental Language Disorder. What an inspiration! This video is in French, but you can add auto-subtitles if French is not your language. Thank you Marie-Soleil for sharing your story with RADLD.

read more

Get involved

RADLD is a movement of passionate academics, researchers, health professionals, educators and families from around the world committed to raising awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).
Events Partner with us

Stay up to date

Get the latest updates from the RADLD team straight to your inbox.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
RADLD - Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder - RADLD

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder (RADLD) is the international advocacy for people with Developmental Language Disorder.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Developmental Language Disorder Podcast with Wendy Lee

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This week’s podcast is looking at Developmental Language Disorder or DLD, what it is, why it is so unknown and to raise awareness.

# data[].attributes.body
Learn about what the EPS can offer for your child

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
20221003_EPS info_Parent _Carer Leaflet Oct 22

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
An Education, Health and Care Plan is a document which details the education, health and social care needs of a child or young person for whom extra support is needed in their early years setting or school, beyond that which the school or setting can provide.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Education, Health and Care Plans | Local Offer Birmingham

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
An Education, Health and Care Plan is a document which details the education, health and social care needs of a child or young person for whom extra support is needed in their early years setting or school, beyond that which the school or setting can provide.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Autism West Midlands | Supporting the Autistic Community

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We use our passion and expertise to enrich the lives of people on the autism spectrum and those who care for them.

# data[].attributes.body
Our Sleep Tips booklet introduces and explains different techniques for you to try that may improve your child's sleep. It covers ten main topics including bedtime routines, daytime napping, comfort objects and moving bedtime backwards or forwards. It gives lots of illustrated hints and tips for putting the techniques into practice.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Our dedicated sleep service is here to help.

Alongside our Sleep Tips booklet and relevant guides, we also offer one-to-one support. This involves completing an application form for your child and two weeks' worth of sleep diaries which we'll send out to you as long as you come under our criteria for support.

If you need one-to-one support and are a parent/carer or a professional referring a family with their consent to having sleep support, please click the button below to contact the sleep service.

If you have a question or query about our services please email us at [email protected].

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sleep tips Our Sleep Tips booklet introduces and explains different techniques for you to try that may improve your child's sleep. It covers ten main topics including bedtime routines, daytime napping, comfort objects and moving bedtime backwards or forwards. It gives lots of illustrated hints and tips for putting the...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
ADHD symptoms in girls often look different than in boys and can go unrecognized. Here are 20 signs to help you identify ADHD in girls so you can seek help.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to DLD and Me! Spreading the word about Developmental Language Disorder Latest Articles What is Developmental Language Disorder? DLD is a brain difference that makes talking and listening difficult. DLD affects about 2

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If a child appears to be struggling with spelling, reading, writing or numeracy, how do you know whether these difficulties are potential indications of dyslexia?

There are some obvious signs such as a 'spiky' profile which means that a child has areas of strong ability alongside areas of weakness. You may also have other family members with similar weaknesses. Remember that not all dyslexic children will display the same weaknesses and abilities.

General signs to look for are:

Speed of processing: slow spoken and/or written language

Poor concentration

Difficulty following instructions

Forgetting words

Written work

Poor standard of written work compared with oral ability

Produces messy work with many crossings out and words tried several times, e.g. wippe, wype, wiep, wipe

Confused by letters which look similar, particularly b/d, p/g, p/q, n/u, m/w

Poor handwriting with many 'reversals' and badly formed letters

Spells a word several different ways in one piece of writing

Makes anagrams of words, e.g. tired for tried, bread for beard

Produces badly set-out written work, doesn't stay close to the margin

Poor pencil grip

Produces phonetic and bizarre spelling: not age/ability appropriate

Uses unusual sequencing of letters or words

Reading

Slow reading progress

Finds it difficult to blend letters together

Has difficulty in establishing syllable division or knowing the beginnings and endings of words

Unusual pronunciation of words

No expression in reading, and poor comprehension

Hesitant and laboured reading, especially when reading aloud

Misses out words when reading, or adds extra words

Fails to recognise familiar words

Loses the point of a story being read or written

Has difficulty in picking out the most important points from a passage

Numeracy

Confusion with place value e.g. units, tens, hundreds

Confused by symbols such as + and x signs

Difficulty remembering anything in a sequential order, e.g. tables, days of the week, the alphabet

Time

Has difficulty learning to tell the time

Poor time keeping

Poor personal organisation

Difficulty remembering what day of the week it is, their birth date, seasons of the year, months of the year

Difficulty with concepts - yesterday, today, tomorrow

Skills

Poor motor skills, leading to weaknesses in speed, control and accuracy of the pencil

Memory difficulties e.g. for daily routines, self-organisation, rote learning

Confused by the difference between left and right, up and down, east and west

Indeterminate hand preference

Performs unevenly from day to day

Behaviour

Uses work avoidance tactics, such as sharpening pencils and looking for books

Seems 'dreamy', does not seem to listen

Easily distracted

Is the class clown or is disruptive or withdrawn

Is excessively tired due to amount of concentration and effort required

A cluster of these indicators alongside areas of ability may suggest dyslexia and further investigation may be required.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Signs of dyslexia (Primary school age) - British Dyslexia Association

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If a child appears to be struggling with spelling, reading, writing or numeracy, how do you know whether these difficulties are potential indications of dyslexia? There are some obvious signs such as a 'spiky' profile which means that a child has areas of strong ability alongside areas of weakness.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity - an integrated health and education service.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Our guidance aims to help you address common eating difficulties for autistic people.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Your autistic child may find it difficult to go out and about. They may have sensory differences and become overwhelmed by noisy traffic, flashing lights, or car fumes. It may also take your child a bit longer to understand things like crossing the street, avoiding traffic, and the general importance of road safety.
Here, we explore practical steps you can take to keep your autistic child safe and to help them develop awareness skills when it comes to road safety.

Why might my autistic child find road safety and going out and about difficult or distressing?

Your child may not always understand why they should or should not do something. This could lead them into dangerous situations, such as running into oncoming traffic.

Your child may also be over-sensitive or under-sensitive to certain sounds, smells, noises and textures. This may affect their ability to process information. For instance, your child might become overwhelmed, distressed, or distracted by an engine revving, a traffic light flashing, or the smell of petrol and car fumes. This could lead to your child becoming distressed or your child ending up in a dangerous situation, for example not looking where they are going because they are so distracted by everything around them.

What can I do to help?
Staying safe
It helps to use clear, simple communication, and to minimise eye contact. Just say: 'No running' and in appropriate, reinforce this with a 'no running' or 'no climbing' symbol.

When walking along a road with your child, you could try and provide distractions to keep them focused.

You could:

point out things in the environment

sing their favourite song

bring something along to distract them (for example, their favourite toy).

Using social stories and games

You may find it useful to write a  social story on why we cannot run out on the road. Social stories provide  visual information  as well as spoken and can be referred to before an event. For example, before you go out for a walk you could read out the story on why we do not run out into the road.

You could role play crossing the road with your child. Many toy shops and online stores sell road safety signs, car mats, toy cars and interactive games. You could play out different scenarios to show your child why it is dangerous to run out into the road.

Supporting your child with sensory differences

If your child has sensory differences, it might help to give them a fidget toy, or putty they squeeze if they feel overstimulated.

Your next steps

Visit the Department of Transport's Think Campaign website for road safety advice.

Visit Brake, the road safety charity's website for information and resources.

Talk to the community for further advice and suggestions.

Download our I am Autistic Card or My child is autistic card. Your child can take this with them while out and about. The card lets members of the public know that you and/or your child is autistic, and how they can help.

Read our strategies for coping with distressed behaviour.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Your autistic child may find it difficult to go out and about. They may have sensory differences and become overwhelmed by noisy traffic, flashing lights, or car fumes. It may also take your child a bit longer to understand things like crossing the street, avoiding traffic, and the general importance of road safety.

# data[].attributes.body
How to support your dyslexic child with spelling