Child ADHD Therapy in London

Please note we are not able to offer diagnosis of ADHD in children, but we can help with therapy and support

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also referred to as ‘ADHD’ or ‘ADD’, is a neurodevelopment difference that has three main symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. 

Does my child have ADHD?

While it was originally thought that all ADHD children suffered with hyperactivity, it is now understood that some children suffer primarily from inattention.  A dreamy child staring out the window can struggle as much as the hyperactive child speaking out of turn.

This has led to a greater understanding of attention deficit disorder in girls. And it means that while some children are diagnosed as 'hyperactive/impulsive', or have all three symptoms, a child with only attention issues might still be diagnosed with 'primarily inattentive' ADHD. 

ADHD in teenagers 

Teens with attention deficit disorder will have the same symptoms as children. The symptoms would have been present before, but the struggles of being a teen can make them more evident. Social pressure, for example, can make impulsivity harder to hide. 

ADHD therapy for children in London

We offer therapy for children and teens already diagnosed with ADHD on Harley Street and in London Bridge. We offer assessments for over 16's, and are carried out with a warm, highly experienced psychiatrist who is an expert in ADHD and other developmental and learning disorders.

ADHD coaching sessions can then be offered either on Harley Street or our other offices at London Bridge or in the City.

What is the treatment for child ADHD in the UK? 

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) does not recommend medications as the first line of treatment in those under age 18. 

Treatment starts by helping your family with education and advice on how to best help your ADHD child and create an environment they can thrive in. From there treatment can include both family therapy as well as support sessions for your kid with a child psychologist. 

Medication is only recommended in conjunction with environmental and behavioural interventions, and only when they alone still leave your child or teen struggling to cope. 

How does ADHD therapy help my child or teen? 

Therapy sessions with a child psychologist offer your child or teen the chance to work on:

• social skills
• self-control 
• listening and communicating 
• dealing with feelings. 

Mental health issues in kids and teens with ADHD 

A good treatment plan with psychological support can mean your child is also helped with the various co-occuring mental health issues that ADHD can present. Social struggles and difficulties coping can result in things like anxiety, depression, anger issues, and low self esteem. 

Other children have co-occuring learning differences like dyslexia or autism. ADHD is also a common joint diagnosis with conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder.  

Examples of ADHD symptoms in children 

 All young children can be hyper, fidgety, and inattentive at times. But for an ADHD child, such behaviours are consistent, problematic, and pervasive, markedly affecting at least two areas of their life. This can include school, learning, social life, and family time. 

 ADHD symptoms in children can look like: 

• struggling to sit still and always fidgeting
• loud and disruptive or dreamy and checked out
• easily frustrated, overwhelmed, or emotional
• act and speak out without thinking first
• not finishing tasks and not good with details
• difficulties with planning, prioritising, and achieving goals 
• don’t listen and struggle when given instructions
• issues with deadlines and procrastination
• sleep problems
• difficulties making or maintaining friendships.

ADHD therapy for kids - the Harley Therapy™ approach

All our psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychotherapists have at least seven years training at top institutions,  have years of experience including time spent working in the NHS, and are committed to your wellbeing. Call us now to discuss your needs or use our online booking form to make a first appointment. 

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Issues for Child ADHD Therapy

• hyperactivity
• impulsive behaviour 
• inattention
• distraction 
• can't sit still 
• struggles to finish schoolwork 
• behavioural problems
• trouble following rules and directions 
• speaks out of turn 
• dreaminess 
• poor social skills
• low self-confidence. 

Other Services 

Educational Psychology 

Is your child struggling at school, acting out, or not fitting in with others? Or has gifts that are not being supported? Or are you yourself secretly struggling with reading and writing? An Educational Psychologist can help.