ADHD
What is ADHD?
ADHD, or, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects children, adolescents, and adults. It’s not a mental illness or learning disability, but having ADHD may mean that a young person faces extra challenges that make them vulnerable to low self-esteem, anxiety or depression.
Signs of ADHD in children and young people
ADHD can make it difficult for people to concentrate, sustain attention, sit still, follow directions and control impulsive behaviour. These symptoms can make it difficult for children and young people to complete tasks in age-appropriate ways, which can make classroom-based learning challenging at times.
A child or young person with ADHD may:
- be easily distracted and find it difficult to start or finish tasks
- often become restless or fidgety
- be very talkative, often interrupting and acting on impulse
- get easily angry or frustrated and struggle to deal with emotions
- find making or maintaining friendships difficult
- be disorganised, for instance often losing things or being late
How we support children and young people with ADHD
Our therapeutic support is embedded throughout all of the work we do with children and young people, to enable them to overcome their ADHD challenges and reach their full potential.
Our Clinical Services Teams enable children and young people to access support, necessary assessments, and tailored programmes which are then integrated into their daily activities. Our team members are well-known to children and continuously work to establish and develop their trust.
Useful helplines and websites
-   Aurora Beeches SchoolVisit SiteSpecialist academic and therapeutic provision in a peaceful, rural setting, for young people aged 11- 16 with Autism spectrum conditions or additional social, emotional and mental health needs. 
 Cranborne, Dorset-  ADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderSymptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies. Find out more
-  ASCAutism Spectrum ConditionA developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them. Find out more
-  MLDModerate Learning DifficultiesFind out more
-  SEMHSocial Emotional and Mental HealthFind out more
 11 -16Mixed- 38 week, day
 
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-   Aurora Brooklands SchoolVisit SiteAn independent specialist day school supporting young people aged 9-16 who face various challenges associated with social, emotional and mental health needs and behavioural challenges. 
 Leyland, Lancashire-  ADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderSymptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies. Find out more
-  ASCAutism Spectrum ConditionA developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them. Find out more
-  MLDModerate Learning DifficultiesFind out more
-  SEMHSocial Emotional and Mental HealthFind out more
 9 -16Mixed- 38 weeks of the year, day
 
-  
-   Aurora Caterham Education CentreVisit SiteSpecialist secondary education in a calm, nurturing environment, for children aged 11-19 with communication difficulties typically associated with Autism spectrum conditions. 
 Caterham, Surrey-  ADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderSymptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies. Find out more
-  ASCAutism Spectrum ConditionA developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them. Find out more
-  Learning DifficultiesLearning DifficultiesFind out more
-  MLDModerate Learning DifficultiesFind out more
-  SLCN
 11 -19Mixed- 38 Weeks, day
 
-  
-   Aurora Chaldon SchoolVisit SiteSpecialist secondary education provision offering a calm, nurturing environment for students aged 11-16 with Autism and associated social communication, sensory and emotional regulation difficulties. 
 Redhill-  ADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderSymptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies. Find out more
-  ASCAutism Spectrum ConditionA developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them. Find out more
 11 -16Mixed- 38 Week, day
 
-  
-   Aurora Eccles SchoolVisit SiteSpecialist academic and therapeutic provision in a creative, supportive environment, for students aged 11-16 who have experienced difficulties in mainstream settings. 
 Quidenham, Norfolk-  ADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderSymptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies. Find out more
-  ASCAutism Spectrum ConditionA developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them. Find out more
-  Learning DifficultiesLearning DifficultiesFind out more
-  MLDModerate Learning DifficultiesFind out more
-  SLCN
 11 -16Mixed- 38 Weeks, day
 
-  
-   Aurora Fairway SchoolVisit SiteA specialist day school located in St Ives, Cambridge, offering academic and therapeutic provision for students aged 11-16 with a range of complex needs. 
 St Ives, Cambridgeshire-  ADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderSymptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies. Find out more
-  ASCAutism Spectrum ConditionA developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them. Find out more
-  SEMHSocial Emotional and Mental HealthFind out more
 11 -16Mixed- 38 Week, day
 
-  
-   Aurora Hanley SchoolVisit SiteIndependent specialist education for young people aged 6 to 19 who have communication and social needs typically associated with autism spectrum conditions. 
 Bucknall, Staffordshire-  ADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderSymptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies. Find out more
-  ASCAutism Spectrum ConditionA developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them. Find out more
-  Learning DifficultiesLearning DifficultiesFind out more
-  MLDModerate Learning DifficultiesFind out more
-  SLCN
 6 -19Mixed- 38 week, day
 
-  
-   Aurora Hedgeway SchoolVisit SiteFlexible, inclusive education and a positive, vibrant learning community, for children and young people aged 7-19 with a primary or secondary diagnosis of Autism and related social and communication. 
 Pilning, South Gloucestershire-  ADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderSymptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies. Find out more
-  ASCAutism Spectrum ConditionA developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them. Find out more
-  SEMHSocial Emotional and Mental HealthFind out more
 7 -19Mixed- 38 Week, day
 
-  
-   Aurora Keyes Barn SchoolVisit SiteA specialist, independent primary school for boys aged 5-12 who face challenges associated with additional social, emotional or mental health needs. 
 Salwick, Lancashire-  ADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderSymptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies. Find out more
-  ASCAutism Spectrum ConditionA developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them. Find out more
-  Learning DifficultiesLearning DifficultiesFind out more
-  MLDModerate Learning DifficultiesFind out more
-  SLCN
 5 -12Boys- 38 Week, day
 
-  
-   Aurora Poppyfield SchoolVisit SiteA specialist day school, offering academic and therapeutic provision for students aged 11- 16 with Autism and associated behavioural and communication difficulties. 
 Effingham, Surrey-  ADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderSymptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies. Find out more
-  ASCAutism Spectrum ConditionA developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them. Find out more
-  SEMHSocial Emotional and Mental HealthFind out more
 11 -16Mixed- 38 Week, day
 
-  
-   Aurora Redehall SchoolVisit SiteSpecialist education in a calm, nurturing environment, for children aged 6-11 with communication difficulties typically associated with Autism spectrum conditions. 
 Smallfield, Surrey-  ADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderSymptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies. Find out more
-  ASCAutism Spectrum ConditionA developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them. Find out more
-  Learning DifficultiesLearning DifficultiesFind out more
-  MLDModerate Learning DifficultiesFind out more
-  SLCN
 6 -11Mixed- 38 Week, day
 
-  
-   Aurora Severnside SchoolVisit SiteA specialist independent day school, offering academic and therapeutic provision for students aged 11-16 with social, emotional and mental health needs, Autism and additional learning needs. 
 Berkeley, Gloucestershire-  ADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderSymptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies. Find out more
-  ASCAutism Spectrum ConditionA developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them. Find out more
-  SEMHSocial Emotional and Mental HealthFind out more
 11 -16Mixed- 38 Week, day
 
-  
-   Aurora Summerfields SchoolVisit SiteAn independent specialist provision supporting young people aged 5 to 19 who have complex communication and social needs typically associated with Autism spectrum conditions. 
 Wilmslow, Cheshire East-  ADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderSymptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies. Find out more
-  ASCAutism Spectrum ConditionA developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them. Find out more
-  COIN
-  MLDModerate Learning DifficultiesFind out more
-  SEMHSocial Emotional and Mental HealthFind out more
-  SLCN
 5 -19Mixed- 38 Week , day
 
-  
-   Aurora Vincent House SchoolVisit SiteSpecialist academic provision with a therapeutic environment for autistic young people aged 11-16, some of whom experience high anxiety. 
 Horsham-  ADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderSymptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies. Find out more
-  ASCAutism Spectrum ConditionA developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them. Find out more
-  SEMHSocial Emotional and Mental HealthFind out more
 11 -16Mixed- 38 Week, day
 
-  
-   Aurora White House SchoolVisit SiteSpecialist academic and therapeutic provision in a caring, supportive environment, for children aged 5-16 who have experienced difficulties in mainstream settings. 
 Quidenham, Norfolk-  ADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderSymptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies. Find out more
-  ASCAutism Spectrum ConditionA developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them. Find out more
-  MLDModerate Learning DifficultiesFind out more
-  SEMHSocial Emotional and Mental HealthFind out more
 5 -16Mixed- 38 Week, day
 
-  
-   Aurora Wilden View SchoolVisit SiteSpecialist school supporting young people aged 5 to 19 who have a range of complex learning needs including social, emotional and mental health needs, speech, language and communication difficulties 
 Kidderminster, Worcestershire-  ADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderSymptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies. Find out more
-  ASCAutism Spectrum ConditionA developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them. Find out more
-  SEMHSocial Emotional and Mental HealthFind out more
 5 -19Mixed- 38 Week , day
 
-  
-   Aurora Woodlands SchoolVisit SiteAn independent specialist day school supporting young people aged 10-19 who face various challenges associated with social, emotional and mental health needs and behavioural challenges. 
 Darwen, Lancashire-  ADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderSymptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies. Find out more
-  ASCAutism Spectrum ConditionA developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them. Find out more
-  MLDModerate Learning DifficultiesFind out more
-  SEMHSocial Emotional and Mental HealthFind out more
 10 -19Mixed- 38 Week, day
 
-  
-   Aurora Boveridge CollegeVisit SiteA specialist further education college providing day and residential support for young people with Autism spectrum conditions or additional social, emotional and mental health needs. 
 Cranborne, Dorset-  ADHDAttention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderSymptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder include a short attention span, constantly fidgeting and acting without thinking. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can often be treated with medicines and talking therapies. Find out more
-  ASCAutism Spectrum ConditionA developmental disability that affects how a person relates to others, communicates, and understands the world around them. Find out more
-  MLDModerate Learning DifficultiesFind out more
-  SEMHSocial Emotional and Mental HealthFind out more
 16 -25Mixed- 38 weeks, day
- Up to 52 weeks, residential
- 38 weeks, outreach
 
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