ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, with or without hyperactivity) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects concentration, impulsivity and the regulation of energy.
But in a often complex journey, who treats ADHD?
Care is based on a comprehensive approach, combining medical, psychological and educational support.
The child psychiatrist: the main specialist who treats ADHD
The child psychiatrist is the first professional who treats ADHD.
They carry out a precise diagnosis, assess the intensity of the symptoms and set up follow-up care tailored to each child.
Their role consists of:
- identifying associated conditions (anxiety, learning difficulties, sleep disorders);
- proposing drug treatment if necessary;
- coordinating the other professionals involved in the care.
The child psychiatrist follows the child over the long term to adjust treatment according to progress.
The psychologist and the neuropsychologist: essential behavioural support
The psychologist and the neuropsychologist play complementary roles.
The psychologist helps the child understand their emotions and adopt more suitable behaviours.
They offer effective cognitive behavioural therapies (CBT) to reduce impulsivity and improve attention.
The neuropsychologist, for their part, works on executive functions: memory, planning and organisation.
Their assessments guide the therapeutic and educational strategies to adopt.
These approaches strengthen autonomy and self-confidence.
Other professionals who treat ADHD
Care for ADHD does not rest on a single specialist.
It is a complete team that supports the child and their family:
- The GP, for overall follow-up and prescriptions;
- The psychomotor therapist, to work on concentration and body management;
- The speech and language therapist, to improve auditory attention and language;
- The occupational therapist, who helps to get better organised in everyday activities and school learning.
This collective work makes it possible to act on all aspects of the disorder: emotional, cognitive and motor.
The role of family and school in care
Parents play a central role in the success of follow-up care.
They can establish clear routines, praise efforts and maintain a stable framework.
Kindness and consistency are essential pillars of care.
School, for its part, adapts its teaching methods.
Thanks to a Personalised Support Plan (PAP) or a Personalised Schooling Project (PPS), teachers can:
- break instructions down into smaller steps;
- adjust assessment times;
- provide a calmer and more structured environment.
This collaboration between family, school and therapists ensures coherent care.
💡 Practical advice is available at LesDys.fr and on sites in the ecosystem such as Dysorthographie.fr or Ladyspraxie.fr.
Digital tools for treating ADHD
Digital tools are now a recognised complement in the care of ADHD.
Platforms such as Dys’tap.io offer therapeutic games to strengthen memory, planning and attention.
These playful exercises help channel energy and improve concentration.
The INSERM points out that interactive cognitive training promotes brain plasticity and improves attentional management.
Integrated into a weekly routine, these tools strengthen the effectiveness of therapeutic follow-up.
In summary
Knowing who treats ADHD makes it possible to quickly direct people to the right professionals.
The child psychiatrist is the cornerstone, supported by the psychologist, the neuropsychologist, the psychomotor therapist and the GP.
Support from family and school completes this comprehensive care.
Thanks to regular follow-up, a caring approach and suitable tools, every child with ADHD can progress, concentrate better and thrive.
