Children with ADHD and their families may need support in different ways. Whatever best helps, you can find out more about it in this section of our site. There are links to organisations that offer advice and practical support, as well as useful websites and directories that will signpost you to more help.
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These websites and online resources provide helpful information on a wide range of topics linked to ADHD in children.
The national NHS website includes information on the symptoms of ADHD, as well as advice about diagnosis, treatment, and living with ADHD.
This useful guide from Dorset’s Child Development Centre provides a general overview of ADHD and characteristics that people with ADHD have, as well as strategies that may help at home.
The ADHD UK website provides information, videos and animations to help people understand more about ADHD in children and young people.
The Young Minds website includes a guide for parents on supporting a child or young person with ADHD.
The ADHD Foundation is a national charity that provides a range of services and support to families.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on the diagnosis and management of ADHD gives a useful clinical overview of the condition, as well as information and resources for families.
The Understanding ADHD section of this website includes information on topics including ADHD traits, the diagnosis process and living with ADHD.
In Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, there is a range of organisations that can provide advice to families with children living with ADHD.
The councils’ Local Offer websites include information and links to a wide range of services and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), which can include ADHD.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information, Advice and Support Services (SENDIASS) offers free, confidential support to families who have children and young people aged 0-25 with SEND.
Parent Carer Forums work to represent the collective voice and offer support to parent carers of children and young people 0-25 years, with additional needs and/or disabilities. Working alongside the local authorities, education, health and other organisations the forums ensure the needs of the community are being met in the design of services. The local PCF websites provide information on how to have your say and the types of support available, including workshops, online support sessions and resources.
Some children and young people living with ADHD may need additional support and strategies to help them fulfil their potential.
Every child is different, and the level and type of support they need will vary.
The Local Offer websites include a wide range information on support for children and young people in education:
Peer support is when people with shared experiences support one another in a variety of different ways. Children with ADHD and their families may benefit from peer support.
Peer support can be accessed via groups, networks and activities in the local community. It can provide a non-judgmental, safe space that allows people to connect with others, speak openly, and share advice and suggestions
The councils’ Local Offer websites provide information about local support groups and activities:
SENDiass can provide information about peer-to-peer groups, drop-in events and activities taking place in your local area:
Parent Carer Forums work to represent the collective voice and offer support to parent carers of children and young people 0-25 years, with additional needs and/or disabilities. Working alongside the local authorities, education, health and other organisations the forums ensure the needs of the community are being met in the design of services. The local PCF websites provide information on how to have your say and the types of support available, including workshops, online support sessions and resources.
ADHD Embrace is a London-based charity but provides a range of online support for parents and carers of children with ADHD, including a Facebook group, online seminars and post-diagnosis workshops.
Netmums includes an online forum for families of children with ADHD.
Advocacy services can help to give children with ADHD and their families a voice, as well as providing support in difficult situations.
There are many different aspects to advocacy, from informal peer support through to community organisations offering free support and focused, regulated and supervised advocacy. There are also a range of ways for young people and families to have their say about services and support.
SWAN provides advocacy services to people from across Dorset and can offer help to autistic people who may need support.
Tel: 0333 447928
Parent Carer Forums work to represent the collective voice and offer support to parent carers of children and young people 0-25 years, with additional needs and/or disabilities. Working alongside the local authorities, education, health and other organisations the forums ensure the needs of the community are being met in the design of services. The local PCF websites provide information on how to have your say and the types of support available, including workshops, online support sessions and resources.
ADHD is not a mental health condition. However, children and young people with ADHD may need support with their emotional health just like others do.
It is estimated that emotional dysregulation affects around 1 in 3 children with ADHD. Children and young people with ADHD may therefore need additional support to manage their emotional wellbeing, and people with ADHD can be more likely to experience mental health difficulties such as anxiety.
The Directory provides information about organisations that provide mental health support to young people in Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
If you are struggling and need to talk, these free services are available at any time, day or night, whatever age you are:
In some cases, children and young people with ADHD who are experiencing mental health difficulties may be supported CAMHS.
Learn more about mental health and wellbeing for neurodivergent people in our section on mental health and neurodiversity.
Find out more about ADHD assessments including different assessment routes and the diagnosis process.
Online networks, peer support, emotional health, preparing for adulthood and more.
ADHD support – young people
Groups and activities, peer support, local charities, educational support and more for families with autistic children.
Autism support – children and families
Digital tools, sensory resources and practical aids that may help neurodivergent people in different ways.
Helpful resources for neurodivergent people