Introduction
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a difference in how the brain manages attention, activity levels, movement and impulses. These differences affect everyday life, across areas like home and at school.
In Somerset, a child does not need a diagnosis of ADHD to get support.
All children develop attention, emotional regulation and impulse control skills over time. This is a normal part of growing up and it does not usually mean a child has ADHD. For young children, being very active, finding it hard to concentrate, or having big feelings is typical and expected.
Some children and young people continue to find these skills very difficult even after the right support has been put in place. For these children, an ADHD assessment may be helpful. They will show clear differences in attention, energy levels and impulse control compared to other children of the same age and similar developmental level. These differences will make it harder for them to manage everyday activities at home and school.
Some children have significant or complex learning difficulties and develop skills more slowly than other children of the same age. This means they may not yet be ready for an ADHD assessment. This is because the behaviours being seen are still typical for their stage of development.
For example, a six‑year‑old child who is working at a developmental level of 12–18 months is likely to struggle to focus and may seem very active or impulsive. This is expected at this stage, as children learn by exploring the world through movement and their senses.
The most helpful support for this child would be to adapt activities and adult support, so they match the child’s developmental stage. This helps them take part successfully and build skills at the right pace for them.
Children with complex learning difficulties need high levels of care, understanding and support. With the right help, all children can develop attention, emotional regulation and impulse control skills. Support may be available from different services and talking to your child’s pre‑school or school can help identify the best next steps.
It is natural to compare your child with others of the same age. However, if your child’s attention and emotional regulation skills are still at an early developmental stage, an ADHD assessment would not be appropriate at this time.