ADHD Support / Advice & next steps
Understanding signs of ADHD
You do not need to work everything out at once. Start with the concern affecting daily life most and choose a manageable next step.
Quick answer
A calm starting point for noticing patterns without trying to diagnose at home. Read the advice, note the questions that fit your situation and choose a manageable next step.
What this means
A calm starting point for noticing patterns without trying to diagnose at home. This is general information, not a diagnosis or medical advice.
ADHD can affect attention, activity levels, impulsivity, emotional regulation, organisation, sleep, learning and routines in different ways. Every child and young person is different.
Free information and conversations with school, health professionals or SENDIASS can help you decide what to explore next.
Questions to ask
What specific patterns or behaviours have you observed in the classroom?
How do these observed behaviours currently impact my child’s daily learning?
What support strategies has the school already trialled for these patterns?
What is the recommended process for sharing my home-based observations with the relevant health professionals?
Local Northamptonshire route
Check the Northamptonshire Local Offer and relevant local SENDIASS route. Assessment and support pathways can vary by area and age.
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
Professional help is optional. Speak to a qualified clinician about medical or medication questions. Free information and school support may be useful starting points.
What happens next?
The next step depends on age, needs, school support and local pathways. Keep records, ask questions and review support over time.
Support that may help
School SENCO · GP or qualified clinician · SENDIASS · Educational psychologist · Occupational therapist · Wellbeing support
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.