ADHD Support / Advice & next steps
ADHD family support resources
You do not need to use every strategy or service. Choose resources that answer the question you have now and avoid advice that blames families or promises a cure.
Quick answer
Useful ADHD family resources should help you understand the condition, compare assessment and support options, prepare for school or health conversations and find strategies that fit your child. Start with NHS and NICE information, then use school, SENDIASS and reputable charity guidance for practical support.
What this means
Different resources serve different purposes. NHS information explains health routes and treatment; NICE guidance describes evidence-based recognition, diagnosis and management; school SEND guidance covers educational support; and charities may offer practical tools and peer information. Check who produced a resource, when it was updated, whether claims are sourced and whether commercial interests are clear.
Online experiences can be reassuring but are not personalised medical advice. A strategy that helps another family may need adapting for age, communication, sensory needs, co-occurring conditions and family capacity.
Be cautious with providers promising guaranteed diagnosis, rapid results, expensive packages or stopping prescribed treatment without a qualified prescriber.
Questions to ask
Who produced this information and when was it last reviewed?
Is the advice educational, clinical or based on personal experience?
Are costs, limitations and commercial interests made clear?
What single question or practical step will this resource help us address?
Local Northamptonshire route
Use the relevant North Northamptonshire or West Northamptonshire Local Offer and SENDIASS service for local education information. Confirm current ADHD referral and treatment routes with the GP or commissioned health service, as pathways can change and are not determined by the council’s SEND pages.
Free support and useful links
External free resource
West Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in West Northamptonshire.
External free resource
North Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in North Northamptonshire.
External free resource
Northamptonshire Local Offer
Local SEND information, services and support routes for children and young people.
External free resource
GOV.UK SEND information
Official information about special educational needs, EHC plans and support.
External free resource
IPSEA
Free SEND law information and resources for parents and carers.
External free resource
Council for Disabled Children
National resources and information about SEND support and policy.
Professional help is available if you need it
Many questions can begin with free official information, school and existing health services. Paid coaching, assessment or therapy is optional. Check qualifications, scope and costs and avoid any service that guarantees an outcome.
What happens next?
Use trusted information to prepare focused questions for school or health professionals. If a resource conflicts with clinical advice, ask the responsible clinician before changing treatment. Keep strategies proportionate and review whether they improve everyday functioning.
Support that may help
GP or ADHD service · School SENCO · SENDIASS · Reputable ADHD charity · Registered clinician, where needed
Related guidance
SEND Lantern provides general information to help families understand possible next steps. It does not replace legal, medical or local authority advice.
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.