The ADHD diagnosis has just been made. After relief or worry, one question arises: and now? Here are the main steps to set up support for your child. Moving forward step by step helps you put in place appropriate support without burning out.
Take the time to understand what the diagnosis means, your child’s ADHD presentation and any associated conditions. Don’t hesitate to ask all your questions. It is normal to feel a range of emotions after the diagnosis.
To go further, read our article Understanding the ADHD assessment report.
The HAS recommends psychoeducation as the first-line approach: structured information about ADHD, to help the child and their family understand the condition and better manage its consequences. It also helps to put things into perspective and to accept the diagnosis more easily.
We cover this point in more detail in ADHD treatment in children.
Explain their ADHD to them using words suited to their age. Understanding that they are neither naughty nor lazy is often a relief for them. They will then be better able to explain their difficulties to others.
This subject is covered in our page Explaining ADHD to your child.
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Meet with the teacher or the school support team. A PAP can be set up to formalise the adjustments, following the opinion of the school doctor. Pass on the recommendations from the assessment to the team.
You will find more details in the article PAP and ADHD.
Parenting skills training programmes help parents better manage challenging behaviour and build up their child’s self-esteem. These programmes are often offered in groups.
Our article Parent guidance and ADHD complements this advice.
Depending on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of other measures, the doctor may suggest medication as a complement. The decision is made together with the family. Take the time to ask all your questions before deciding.
For more information, see ADHD medication: parents’ questions.
ADHD requires regular follow-up, to adjust support to the child’s age and needs. Follow-up allows support to be adjusted over time.
The article How long does ADHD support last covers this question in detail.
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Understand the diagnosis, inform the school and put support in place. Psychoeducation is recommended first.
No, it is offered depending on the severity, as a complement to other measures. Inform the school.
Yes, to put in place appropriate adjustments. Follow-up is regular.
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