What is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
In this section, you will find guidance from the NHS and the Cambridgeshire Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP) Toolkit, as well as what we may offer in terms of support here at Meldreth Primary School.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.
- ADHD is associated with lower levels of the neurotransmitter Dopamine in the brain.
- To adapt to the lower levels of Dopamine, ADHD brains can be driven by their search for stimulation.
- People with ADHD can find it difficult to regulate attention away from activities, thoughts and behaviours that are Dopamine increasing.
- Often ADHD brains are not making conscious choices to ignore requests, instructions or expected behaviours. Their awareness or concern for the consequences of ignoring them can be insignificant compared to the need to engage with things they find Dopamine increasing.
- Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child's circumstances change, such as when they start school.
- People with ADHD may also have additional problems, such as sleep and anxiety disorders.
Your child does not need a formal diagnosis to receive adapted support in primary school. If you or your child's class teacher identifies a need, reasonable adjustments can be made to support your child.
Once a child's needs are identified, we use our observations, data, pupil voice conversations and parents' views to identify priority targets. We usually only choose to address 3 targets at a time, as this is the most manageable amount. We then create a plan of what we will do to support the child in achieving those targets. After a minimum of 6 weeks, we review the progress made and set new targets.
No two children are the same, but it is worth giving some examples of common strategies and provision we may offer at Meldreth for children, to name a few:
Support for your child with ADHD
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