ADHD is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects approximately 5% of the UK population. Around 37,000 children and young people in Scottish schools have ADHD.

Common features of ADHD

• challenges with concentration and attention
• impulsiveness
• hyperactivity

Some individuals experience challenges with attention and concentration, but not hyperactivity or impulsiveness. This form of ADHD is sometimes called Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD. ADD can sometimes go unnoticed because the symptoms may be less obvious. 

ADHD can co-occur with other neurodevelopmental differences such as Autism, Dyslexia, Epilepsy or Tourette’s Syndrome.

Positive traits of ADHD

For many individuals, ADHD is linked to positive traits such as:

• creativity
• flexibility
• enthusiasm and spontaneity
• energy and drive
• compassion
• risk taking, which can lead to important discoveries
• an ability to process information and make broader observations

The challenges you might notice

You might notice that children and young people with ADHD:

• have a short attention span
• find it hard to concentrate and are easily distracted
• may make mistakes
• appear forgetful, or tend to lose things
• have difficulty organising tasks or possessions
• find it difficult to stick at tedious or time-consuming tasks
• find it hard to wait for their turn
• appear to be unable to listen to or carry out instructions
• constantly move or fidget
• talk excessively
• have a tendency to interrupt
• are impulsive or act without thinking
• have little or no sense of danger

How you can help

• be aware of environmental factors which may impact their participation
• recognise and celebrate their strengths
• understand the potential impact to their self-esteem when things go wrong
• ensure that instructions are clear and straightforward
• be consistent with routines to provide predictability
• allow ample time and warning when transitioning to a new activity
• use visual timetables and checklists to help with personal organisation and build independence
• set achievable goals
• break tasks down into manageable sections
• plan seating to minimise potential distractions
• allow movement or sensory breaks throughout the day

Learn more about ADHD

The University of Edinburgh has created EPIC resources. These are free guides for parents, carers, and education practitioners. They contain practical strategies and approaches to supporting children and young people with ADHD, Autism and Developmental Co-ordination Disorder (DCD).

The Open University offers a free introductory course on Understanding ADHD and NHS Inform provides more information about ADHD diagnosis.

The ADHD Foundation UK has created a series of information booklets including a teenager’s guide to ADHD.

Improvement questions for practitioners

These reflective questions invite you individually and your setting to consider how well does your setting:

• recognise and plan for learners with ADHD?
• engage with and support parents and carers of children and young people with ADHD?