ADHD: what to do after the diagnosis?
Receiving an ADHD diagnosis for your child often brings mixed emotions. Relief at finally having an explanation, worry about the future, questions about treatments, uncertainty about the steps to take. Here are the first concrete steps to move forward effectively.
Finding out more to understand
The first step is to properly understand what ADHD is and what this diagnosis means for your child specifically. Every child with ADHD is different in their profile, severity and strengths. Ask the doctor who made the diagnosis to explain concretely the specific manifestations in your child, the strengths to build on and the areas that need particular support. Reliable resources such as the guidance from the HAS, the Haute Autorité de Santé (French National Authority for Health), help you understand current recommendations.
Setting up therapeutic support
Depending on your child’s profile and the doctor’s recommendations, appropriate therapeutic support should be put in place promptly. For mild to moderate forms, cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT) and psychoeducation are recommended as first-line options. For severe forms, or when CBT alone is insufficient, medication may be considered as a complement. Do not wait: the earlier support starts, the more effective it is.
Informing the school and requesting adjustments
The school should be informed of the diagnosis promptly. Make an appointment with the headteacher and the school doctor to request the setting up of a PAP. This official document guarantees legally binding adjustments. For ADHD, the most important adjustments are extra time, preferential seating in class, breaking tasks down into smaller parts, tolerance for certain behaviours linked to the disorder, and the option to use digital tools.
Explaining ADHD to your child
Your child deserves to understand what is happening to them. An explanation suited to their age helps them understand that their difficulties have a neurological cause, that they are not their fault, and that they can receive help to manage them. This understanding is the foundation of positive self-esteem. For practical resources on explaining ADHD to children, lesdys.fr offers accessible guides for families.
