ADHD

Difficulty concentrating, restlessness and challenges at school can place a considerable strain on children and their families. For me, it is important not to focus solely on an ADHD diagnosis, but first to consider the individual child and their personal circumstances.

How do the restlessness or concentration difficulties manifest themselves? When are they particularly noticeable, and when are they less pronounced? How well does the child sleep? What is their daily routine like? Are there other physical or emotional concerns? Diet, pressures at school and at home, and other individual factors can also be considered.

Not every child with ADHD experiences the same difficulties. For some, physical restlessness is most prominent, while others mainly struggle with attention, concentration or impulsivity. Support should therefore not follow a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach.

Together, we explore possible underlying causes and contributing factors, and consider approaches to support that seem best suited to the individual child.

What matters especially to me is asking not only what the child finds difficult, but also what helps them feel more comfortable, concentrate more easily and manage everyday life better.

Learning and developmental difficulties should also be taken into account. For example, reading and spelling difficulties (dyslexia) occur significantly more often in children with ADHD than in children without ADHD.

These connections matter because difficulties at school should not automatically be attributed to ADHD alone.