ADHD Support in Northamptonshire

Plain-English guidance for Northamptonshire families who are concerned their child may have ADHD, are considering or waiting for an assessment, or need support at school or at home.

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Quick answer

You can ask for support based on your child’s needs even without a formal ADHD diagnosis. Start by recording your concerns, speaking with the school SENCO or teacher, and checking which local assessment or support route may apply.

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What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, activity levels, impulse control, organisation and emotional regulation. Every child with ADHD has a different combination of strengths and difficulties.

When might you seek advice?

You may want to seek advice when ongoing difficulties with attention, impulsivity, activity levels, organisation, emotional regulation or completing tasks are affecting learning, relationships or daily life.

How do you start?

Begin by speaking with your child’s teacher, SENCO, GP, health visitor or another professional who knows them well. Ask what support can be provided now and which local assessment route may be relevant.

What should you prepare?

Gather examples from home and school, details of strengths and difficulties, support already tried, relevant reports, communication records and notes about attention, organisation, behaviour or emotional regulation.

What does ADHD support involve?

ADHD support should be based on the individual child’s strengths and needs. It may include clear instructions, predictable routines, movement breaks, help with organisation, reduced distractions, emotional-regulation support, reasonable adjustments and help with learning or daily tasks.

Does my child need a diagnosis to receive support?

A child does not need a formal ADHD diagnosis before their school can respond to identified needs. Speak to the teacher or SENCO about the difficulties your child is experiencing and ask what SEN support or reasonable adjustments can be put in place now.

How can I ask school for support?

Arrange a conversation with your child’s teacher or SENCO. Share specific examples, ask what support is already in place and agree what will happen next. Ask when progress will be reviewed and keep a written record of meetings, actions and outcomes

Describe your child’s strengths and difficulties

Share examples from home and school
Ask what adjustments can be made
Agree intended outcomes
Set a review date
Keep notes of what was agreed

Which assessment route may apply?

Assessment routes vary according to age, circumstances and local arrangements. Families may begin by speaking to a GP, school, SENCO, health visitor or another professional who knows the child. An ADHD assessment is completed by an appropriately trained specialist and normally considers information from more than one setting. Independent assessments are also available, but families should check what the assessment includes and how reports will be used.

Which local authority area applies?

The correct local support route depends on where your child lives. Families in West Northamptonshire should use the West Northamptonshire Local Offer and SENDIASS service. Families in North Northamptonshire should use the North Northamptonshire Local Offer and SENDIASS service.

What can help while waiting for an assessment?

Your child should not have to wait for a diagnosis before current needs are considered. While waiting, ask school what support can be provided now, use clear routines where helpful, break tasks into manageable steps, record concerns and successful strategies, gather observations from home and school, and use reputable free guidance and local services.

Ask school to support current needs

Reduce unnecessary distractions
Use clear, short instructions
Break larger tasks into smaller steps
Provide movement or regulation breaks where helpful
Record concerns and strategies that work
Gather observations from home and school
Use reputable free guidance and local services

Independent SEND information and advice for families.

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Professional help is available if needed

Many families begin with their child’s school, GP, SENDIASS, the Local Offer and reputable free guidance. Some families may also seek specialist or independent support where needs are complex, they want an assessment, or they need more tailored advice.

ADHD assessment provider · Paediatrician · Child and adolescent psychiatrist · Educational psychologist · Occupational therapist · SEND adviser · Family support service

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Support across Northamptonshire

SEND Lantern helps families explore ADHD support covering Northampton, Kettering, Corby, Wellingborough, Rushden, Daventry, Towcester, Brackley and surrounding areas. Assessment routes, school support and available services may vary depending on age, individual needs and whether you live in North Northamptonshire or West Northamptonshire.

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Independent guidance for families

SEND Lantern is an independent guidance platform operated by Send Lantern Ltd. We help families explore special educational needs and disabilities support, possible next steps and relevant services. SEND Lantern is not part of the NHS, a local authority, a school or any individual service provider. Information on this website is general guidance and should not be treated as medical, legal or educational advice.