ADHD support for children and families
Understanding an ADHD Diagnosis
You may wish to explore some books which may help in considering how best to talk about this new diagnosis. Examples include:
- Understanding ADHD by Christopher Green: an excellent guide to understanding ADHD in children
- I would if I could: a Teenager's Guide to ADHD by M. Gordan: written especially for adolescents with ADHD, contains humour and a straight forward style.
- Jumping Johnny Get Back to Work by M. Gordan: an amusing guide to ADHD for 6-10 year-olds.
- The Hyperactive Child, A Parent’s Guide by E. Taylor
- 1 2 3 Magic by Thomas Phelan.
ADHD
ADHD Guide for Parents and Carers
ADHD in Children and Young People: A Simple Guide for Parents and Carers booklet.
ADDISS (National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service)
ADDISS (020 8952 2800) provides information and support for parents and children with ADHD.
A foundation who works with individuals with ADHD and those around them to provide support, raise awareness and promote positive change.
ADHD Voices brings the perspectives and experiences of children into international debates around rising child psychiatric diagnoses and the increasing use of drugs in child psychiatry.
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
CHADD is an organisation that provides education, advocacy and support for individuals with ADHD and their families.
Janssen: Living With ADHD
Whether you have been diagnosed with ADHD, or are the parent/carer or teacher of someone who has the condition, this website will help you face the challenges you may have and address any questions and concerns.
Information on ADHD particularly useful for children and young people. Search ADHD for more information.
Education
AET is a not for profit programme led by two national autism charities: the National Autistic Society and Ambitious about Autism. Established and supported by the Department for Education, the AET promotes and supports partnerships throughout the education system to improve educational access, experience and outcomes for children and young people with autism.
This is Birmingham City Council's website for all of their SEN services including educational support and information. Here, you will find help, advice and information for children or young people with a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND). You can also find information on Education Healthcare Plans (EHCP) and Communication and Autism Team (CAT) on this site. Please note, you can select the language displayed by using the drop-down in the top left-hand corner of the site.
Birmingham Communication and Autism
Resources and support for transitioning children and young people with autism back into their school/ setting after COVID-19 lockdown.
Many autistic children find transitions difficult, especially the transition from primary to secondary school. Careful consideration should be given to what support they may need before, during and after the transition. This can be discussed with the SENCO at your current school and the SENCO at the new secondary school, once this has been identified. Transition support may include extra visits, visual supports, any summer school activities offered etc In relation to secondary transition, there is a very useful document entitled Children with Autism Accessing the Curriculum at Key Stage 3 and 4 , which can be downloaded free and contains subject-specific guidance (this can also be found by a Google search for the document title).
Birmingham SENDIASS offers impartial information, advice and support to children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities.
Children’s Services – Education and Children Social Services
Birmingham Children's Services (0121 303 1888): information about Birmingham schools including school places & regarding Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP).
South and City Birmingham College
South and City Birmingham College (0121 694 5000 or 0800 111 6311): educational support for young people who have ADHD.
The Prince’s Trust Birmingham – Personal development programme
Prince's Trust (0800 842 842): help for 13-25 year olds to work towards their personal goals.
National Citizen Service (0800 197 8010): a four-phase programme for 15-17 year olds designed to provide new experiences.
Queen Alexandra College – a national college for learners with disabilities
Queen Alexandra College (0121 428 5050): support and guidance for students on the Autistic spectrum (including Asperger’s syndrome), with moderate to severe learning difficulties students, with physical disabilities and those with other needs.
Birmingham School Exclusions Team
Birmingham School Exclusions Team (0121 3032685): learning support when children are excluded.
Pupil and School Support Service (PSS)
The Pupil and School Support Service (PSS) has created a range of free resources to support parents with home education for SEND pupils and they can be contacted directly through the website.
Communication and Autism Team (Birmingham City Council)
Email the Communication & Autism Team that provide support for Birmingham schools and parenting support groups.
Mental Health
Mental Health Support for Young People Leaflet
NCMH (National Centre for Mental Health)
This organisation brings together world-leading researchers to learn more about the triggers and causes of mental health problems. Their website gives information on conditions like ADHD and medication used to manage it.
Mental health charity that makes short films and fact sheets about conditions like ADHD.
Well Being
Help for all families: leaflet with useful advice and links.
All Saints Youth Project (0121 4431842) falls under the umbrella of All Saints Community Projects, whose overall purpose is to provide services and facilities to improve the social welfare and health of people in Birmingham.
Birmingham Carers Hub: info and advice - Tel 0333 006 9711, email info@birminghamcarershub.org.uk.
Online advice guide and community directory.
Anxiety Canada provides self-help resources, programs and services for children, youth, adults and educators on anxiety.
Support Groups
General Health
Health information and advice.
Some children with neurodevelopmental disorders may have physical conditions which require Physiotherapy input please see the Physiotherapy service pages for more details.
National charity dedicated to improving children's bowel and bladder health.
Other conditions that affect autistic people.
Behaviour
Help with behaviour management. Telephone: 0808 8002222.
Youth Offending Service (Birmingham)
Telephone: 0121 464 0600. Based at Kingsmere, 18 Gravelly Hill North, Erdington, Birmingham, B23 6BQ.
Understanding Behaviour in Autistic Children booklet.
Sensory
Hanen – Sensory Needs in Children with Autism
A short video.
National Autistic Association: sensory differences
Information, strategies and tips for coping with sensory differences
Paediatric occupational therapists support children and young people to carry out activities they need, want, or are expected to do, but are prevented from doing due to impairments, injuries or developmental conditions.
Autism and Sensory Issues resource.
Financial Support
A national charity that helps people in financial hardship access support services, benefits and charitable grants.
Can provide families with a once a year payment to help with the purchase of essential items such as a washing machine etc.
Contact for Families with Disabled Children
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Telephone: 0800 1214600.
Other Useful Services
Identifies local amenities that are accessible to children with additional needs.
Tourettes support for young people.
An excellent resource for educators.
Safety Concerns
Support for families. Contact 0121 303 1888 if a child or young person is at risk of harm.
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children ( NSPCC)
Support for children, young people, parents, families and professionals.
POhWER Advocacy Service (0300 4562370) ensures procedures are followed by health and social care services; offers advice and support with letter writing.
If you are worried about your child, please note this is not an emergency or mental health crisis service.
If you notice your child’s health is deteriorating or your child is in immediate danger, please call 999 or go to A&E.
If you need urgent help for your child's health call 111, contact your GP for further advice or contact Forward Thinking Birmingham Crisis line on 0300 300 0099 for issues relating to mental health.