ADHD Support / Advice & next steps
Understanding an ADHD diagnosis
Families can feel relief, uncertainty or both after diagnosis. Take time to understand the report and choose next steps that match the child’s needs and preferences.
Quick answer
An ADHD diagnosis means a qualified clinician found a persistent pattern of attention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity difficulties that causes significant impact and is not better explained by another factor alone. It can guide understanding and treatment, but it does not define the child or automatically decide school support.
What this means
The diagnostic feedback should explain the evidence considered, the child’s ADHD presentation, strengths, co-occurring needs and any uncertainty or limitations. Ask for plain-English clarification of clinical terms. Treatment and support may include information, environmental changes, school adjustments, parent or young-person support, psychological approaches and medication where clinically appropriate. No single option is required for every child.
School provision remains needs-led. Share the report with consent and ask the SENCO to translate relevant recommendations into a specific support plan rather than treating diagnosis as the plan itself.
Medication decisions belong with an appropriately qualified prescriber and require discussion of benefits, risks, monitoring and follow-up. SEND Lantern does not provide medical advice.
Questions to ask
What evidence and diagnostic presentation are recorded in the report?
Which recommendations relate to school, home and clinical care?
Who provides follow-up and how can the family ask further questions?
How does the child want ADHD and the report discussed with others?
Local Northamptonshire route
Follow-up and prescribing arrangements depend on the assessing and health services and can change, so confirm them in writing. North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire provide separate Local Offer and SENDIASS education information, while clinical care remains through the relevant NHS or private provider.
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
Use the diagnosing service or GP for clinical questions. School and SENDIASS can help with education support. Additional private therapy, coaching or advocacy is optional and should address a clearly identified need.
What happens next?
Agree the immediate health and education actions, who is responsible and when progress will be reviewed. If the report identifies other needs, ask whether further assessment or support is recommended. Revisit the plan as the child develops and circumstances change.
Support that may help
Diagnosing clinician · GP or NHS ADHD service · School SENCO · SENDIASS
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.