ADHD in children: What to look for and what to do next | Webinar summary

If you're wondering whether your child’s struggles might be related to ADHD and what you’re meant to do about it, you're far from alone. Many parents and carers find themselves asking similar questions. What should I be looking for? Should I seek an assessment now? What support can schools provide?

Dr Heidi Phillips, a Neurodevelopmental Specialist GP at the Oxford ADHD & Autism Centre, held a free webinar for parents and carers to answer these questions. This guide is based on the content of that presentation, and aims to help parents and carers:

• Recognise possible signs of ADHD in children

• Understand when to seek support

• Feel clearer about what to do next

Heidi says:

"The question we need to answer in order to help a child is not 'Does my child have ADHD?' but 'What is my child struggling with?'. The only way to answer that is to listen and observe.”

You can watch the replay of the original webinar here:

Signs of ADHD in children

The signs of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. But even when a child appears inattentive or is displaying challenging behaviour, it doesn't automatically mean it’s ADHD.

"We need to make sure there's nothing else going on, for example auditory issues or autism,” says Dr Phillips. “We need to understand what it is that they are struggling with, what their difficulties are, and then try and make sense of those difficulties.”

These questions may help parents and carers observe how their child manages different activities and settings:

• Can your child sit and complete a painting, puzzle or craft activity in detail?

• Can they follow a recipe and bake a cake?

• Can they read and understand the instructions for a board game and sit and play it?

• Can they follow written instructions but struggle when the same instructions are given verbally?

• Can they sit and write a story? Is it easier for them to tell a story than write it?

• Do they move independently from one step of a task to the next without becoming distracted?

• Are difficulties only happening in school, or do they occur at home as well?

Dr Phillips points to one example seen during assessments.

"I've had children who can absolutely follow lists of written instructions, no problem at all. They can bake a cake from start to finish without getting distracted. But that same child in a classroom environment can't follow the teacher’s verbal instructions. That's an auditory processing problem, not an inattentive inability to follow instructions.”

One observation alone cannot explain why a child is finding something difficult. Clinicians consider the full picture, including how a child manages in different settings.

When home and school tell different stories

Parents are often surprised when teachers report that a child appears focused and engaged in school despite difficulties at home.

According to Dr Phillips, this is an important clue that should be explored carefully.

“If a child appears able to concentrate, stay organised and manage expectations throughout the school day but becomes overwhelmed or distressed at home, this could suggest that ADHD isn’t the issue but something else is happening,” she says.

When to explore an ADHD assessment for a child

Many parents and carers are unsure when to explore an ADHD assessment. It is important to seek further advice when a child’s difficulties are affecting their day-to-day life and the support available is not enough. There is no specific “right” age or time. Understanding a child’s needs and identifying appropriate support can be helpful at any age.

Parents concerned after observing their child should begin conversations with their child’s school and with other adults who know them well, such as tutors, sports coaches or club leaders. Their observations can help build a clearer picture of how a child manages in different settings.

A good assessment starts before the appointment

Parents are also encouraged to remember that a high-quality assessment begins long before they meet a clinician.

School reports, examples of challenges, observations from different settings and a clear history of concerns can all help specialists understand what's happening.

Ultimately, Dr Phillips says the goal should not be to secure a particular diagnosis, but to understand a child's needs and identify the right support.

Your best is good enough

Dr Phillips also offers advice for parents worried about how to manage their child’s needs in school holidays along with the other pressure of life:

"We all know the rules that say children shouldn't be on social media and shouldn't have too much screen time. But the reality is most parents can't afford activity camps and exciting new experiences every day. So be kind to yourself as a parent this summer. Do what is right for you and your family."

About Oxford ADHD & Autism Centre

A trusted ADHD and autism assessment clinic supporting families in Oxford for over a decade.

Appointments are available in person at our Oxford clinics, or online nationwide.

Our team supports children, young people and adults who may have ADHD or autism and are looking for clarity.

The centre is now part of the Clinical Partners Group, which has been supporting mental health across the UK since 2011.