ADHD for Young Adults & Children

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people’s behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.

Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances change, such as when they start school.

Most cases are diagnosed when children are under 12 years old, but sometimes it’s diagnosed later in childhood.

Sometimes ADHD was not recognised when someone was a child, and they are diagnosed later as an adult.

The symptoms of ADHD may improve with age, but many adults who were diagnosed with the condition at a young age continue to experience problems.

People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders.

For Children Aged 0-5

Please discuss this matter with your Health Visitor first who will advise a GP appointment if necessary. 

Children Aged 5-17 (Devon)

This is now a service that can be directly accessed by you and the school, without the need for GP involvement. The GP surgeries in this area fund child psychology support for the schools to enable them to best support you and you child. Please contact your school directly to discuss this further with them.

Children Aged 5-17 (Cornwall)

This is now a service that can be directly accessed by you and the school, without the need for GP involvement. Please click here

This provides a lot of useful information about the service and how to make a referral with your school’s help.

Children Aged 5-17 (For those not enrolled in school)

If for diagnosis, please contact the surgery where we can dictate a letter to community paediatrics. If there is any concern of depression and/or anxiety with the query of ADHD, then CAMHS would be required. Parents can do this on the CFHD website.