Is ADHD a disability?

It's classification in psychiatry is as a mental health disorder, not a disability. And it's not the same experience for each person but depends on the individual. For some people an attention deficit comes alongside high IQ and creativity and they manage well in life, or even excel because of their ADHD . For others ADHD comes alongside other learning or behavioural disorders and makes life very complicated. Whether or not you can qualify for aid for having a disability because of ADHD depends on the country you live in and on how much it affects your ability to cope on a daily basis.

Does ADHD just go away?

No. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is connected to how your brain functions, so it doesn’t just go away, although a percentage of those with ADD find that symptoms become less with age. This is why ADHD support is so crucial. It means your child or teen learns early to manage their symptoms and focus on their strengths, setting them up to also cope better as adults.

Child ADHD therapy in London • Harley Therapy™

Reviewed by Dr Sheri Jacobson

ADHD therapy and support helps your child to thrive and your family to cope better

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 currently offer ADHD assessments for teens aged 14 and older which 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.