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This website is only one part of the Local Offer; we also have a directory which you can visit at 1space.eastsussex.gov.uk/localoffer

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Five children stood opposite an adult who is pointing at a dinosaur's skeleton.

Overview

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition. It is thought to be caused by differences in the way the brain develops. It affects the parts controlling attention, concentration, impulsivity, activity levels and memory.

This means a child or young person may experience difficulties in any or all of the below:

Everybody is different, but a person with ADHD may:

ADHD in children is usually identified when parents and carers and practitioners in education settings compare their experiences of the child at home and in education setting. 

Treatment can take different forms. This can include adjusting approaches to education, to therapy and medication.

ADHD Assessment and Diagnosis

Assessment - Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

The CAMHS Neurodevelopmental Service provides diagnostic assessments of neurodevelopmental conditions in children.

They have assessment teams in East Sussex, West Sussex and Brighton & Hove. They undertake the assessment and diagnosis of:

This is known as the Neurodevelopmental Team (NDT). For young people aged 18 and over, visit the NHS website for more information:

The NDT includes:

You will see a combination of these professionals during treatment.

You can find out more about CAMHS Neurodevelopmental Service on the NHS website:

NHS Right to Choose (RTC) Framework

Services for people seeking assessment and related care for ADHD in Sussex are provided by:

The national NHS RTC Framework allows NHS patients to select their healthcare provider. This happens during an initial / first appointment when receiving a referral from:

The RTC applies when the referral is for a clinically appropriate physical or mental health service.

Find out more by visiting the Sussex Health & Care website:

Diagnosis

The NHS website outlines the steps taken in diagnosing ADHD. It also explains what happens during an assessment:

Waiting for an ADHD Assessment or Diagnosis

Assessment and diagnosis of ADHD can include a long wait.

During this time, your child may still need support. 

Schools will use good quality inclusive teaching strategies for all children and young people. These approaches will support learners with a wide range of learning needs. This includes those with ADHD, with or without a diagnosis.

If your child needs more targeted support, schools use a wide range of interventions. These aim to assist their learning. These interventions should be of high quality and assessed on a regular basis to check they are supporting them to develop the skills they need.

This website has more information about the support offered by schools. Find out more by visiting our page on SEND Support at School (Universally Available Provision).

The NHS offer social communication and neurodevelopment support. This is for children and young people with ADHD or Autism. The child or young person does not need to have a diagnosis to access support from this pathway. 

This is a multi-disciplinary pathway. It involves Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy. It also includes a skill mix of therapists and integrated therapy assistants.

They deliver provision within this pathway across:

Children and young people can access this pathway from 3 years old to 18 years old (or up to 19 if in full time education).

You can visit the NHS East Sussex Children website to find out more:

Additional Help and Support

Amaze SENDIASS

Amaze SENDIASS (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service) are a local charity. They offer free, independent, and impartial advice for all matters relating to SEND. This includes ADHD. Contact Amaze SENDIASS by:

Visit the Amaze SENDIASS web page.

Neurodevelopmental Pathway (NDP) Family Training and Navigation Service

Amaze also offer the NDP Family Training and Navigation Service. This service supports families at each stage along the neurodevelopmental pathway. They help to manage the challenges that children and young people face. This service is for families in Brighton & Hove and East Sussex.

As well as ADHD, the service also covers:

Please visit the Amaze website to find out more:

They have also created a PDF for parent carers with neurodivergent children and young people. This includes those awaiting assessment. The document has lots of useful information and links to training:

East Sussex Local Offer directory of services

You can visit our SEND-specific online directory, hosted on East Sussex 1Space. The directory lists many different services both throughout the county and online. Services cover many topics, including:

Visit the East Sussex Local Offer directory.

NHS - Health A to Z

The East Sussex Local Offer aims to provide as much information as possible. There may be some conditions that aren't covered in thorough detail. The NHS website has pages that list all conditions. These pages provide information and advice on how to get extra support:

Visit the NHS Health A to Z web page.

Glossary of East Sussex SEND Terms

We explain some of the terms used on this website on our page, Glossary of East Sussex SEND Terms.

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