‘It's such a relief': NI dad who only learned he had autism in his 40s says diagnosis changed his life
A Larne man diagnosed with ADHD and autism in his 40s has told how the conditions stopped him living a 'normal' life.
Dad-of-two Gary Peoples sought help after his children were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.
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Scotsman
21 hours ago
- Scotsman
Eight symptoms of ADHD in children parents should know about
Symptoms of ADHD usually start before the age of 12 🎒 Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... There are three million people in the UK living with ADHD. Of this number, there are 623,000 children in the UK living with ADHD. ADHD is a condition that affects people's behaviour. These are eight signs and symptoms of ADHD parents should know about. There are an estimated three million people in the UK living with ADHD, with 623,000 of those being children, according to ADHD UK. Symptoms of ADHD are often first noticed when a child begins school, with many people living with ADHD diagnosed before they turn 12-years-old. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, not everyone is diagnosed when they are young, with many adults now seeking out a diagnosis that was not recognised during childhood. As parents it's important to know the signs and symptoms of ADHD in children and what to do if you suspect your child has ADHD, in this article we outline everything you need to know about ADHD and what support is available. Symptoms of ADHD usually start before the age of 12. |What is ADHD? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. It can cause restlessness, trouble concentrating and acting on impulse. Symptoms of ADHD are often noticed when a child begins school, with most cases of ADHD diagnosed in children under the age of 12, however, it can be diagnosed later on in life in adults whose ADHD was not recognised during childhood. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What are the signs my child may have ADHD? Signs and symptoms of ADHD tend to start before the age of 12-years-old. They often involve a young person's ability to pay attention, have high levels of energy, and an ability to control their impulses. Most children with ADHD will have symptoms of both being inattentive and being hyperactive-impulsive, however some will only show one type. The NHS explain that signs of being inattentive can include: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad being easily distracted finding it hard to listen to what people are saying or to follow instructions forgetting everyday tasks, like brushing their teeth or putting on socks Whilst signs of being hyperactive and impulsive, may include: having high energy levels fidgeting or tapping their hands and feet talking noisily feeling restless, or getting up and moving around when they're supposed to sit still finding it hard to wait their turn, or interrupting conversations How can you access an ADHD diagnosis? There is no simple test to find out if your child has ADHD, but after a detailed assessment a specialist will be able to make an accurate diagnosis. If you suspect that your child may have ADHD you can visit your GP to ask them to refer you to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. The assessment may be carried out by a specialist child psychiatrist, a paediatrician – a specialist in children's health or an appropriately qualified healthcare professional with training and expertise in the diagnosis of ADHD. You can find out more about ADHD in children and young people at
Scotsman
a day ago
- Scotsman
Eight symptoms of ADHD in children parents should know about
Symptoms of ADHD usually start before the age of 12 🎒 Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... There are three million people in the UK living with ADHD. Of this number, there are 623,000 children in the UK living with ADHD. ADHD is a condition that affects people's behaviour. These are eight signs and symptoms of ADHD parents should know about. There are an estimated three million people in the UK living with ADHD, with 623,000 of those being children, according to ADHD UK. Symptoms of ADHD are often first noticed when a child begins school, with many people living with ADHD diagnosed before they turn 12-years-old. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, not everyone is diagnosed when they are young, with many adults now seeking out a diagnosis that was not recognised during childhood. As parents it's important to know the signs and symptoms of ADHD in children and what to do if you suspect your child has ADHD, in this article we outline everything you need to know about ADHD and what support is available. Symptoms of ADHD usually start before the age of 12. |What is ADHD? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. It can cause restlessness, trouble concentrating and acting on impulse. Symptoms of ADHD are often noticed when a child begins school, with most cases of ADHD diagnosed in children under the age of 12, however, it can be diagnosed later on in life in adults whose ADHD was not recognised during childhood. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What are the signs my child may have ADHD? Signs and symptoms of ADHD tend to start before the age of 12-years-old. They often involve a young person's ability to pay attention, have high levels of energy, and an ability to control their impulses. Most children with ADHD will have symptoms of both being inattentive and being hyperactive-impulsive, however some will only show one type. The NHS explain that signs of being inattentive can include: Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad being easily distracted finding it hard to listen to what people are saying or to follow instructions forgetting everyday tasks, like brushing their teeth or putting on socks Whilst signs of being hyperactive and impulsive, may include: having high energy levels fidgeting or tapping their hands and feet talking noisily feeling restless, or getting up and moving around when they're supposed to sit still finding it hard to wait their turn, or interrupting conversations How can you access an ADHD diagnosis? There is no simple test to find out if your child has ADHD, but after a detailed assessment a specialist will be able to make an accurate diagnosis. If you suspect that your child may have ADHD you can visit your GP to ask them to refer you to a specialist for an ADHD assessment. The assessment may be carried out by a specialist child psychiatrist, a paediatrician – a specialist in children's health or an appropriately qualified healthcare professional with training and expertise in the diagnosis of ADHD.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Daily Record
Foods that could boost your child's attention span at school
There are some nutrients which stand out as being particularly important for a child's attention at school - and the good news is that they can be found in everyday foods Diet can significantly influence your child's academic performance at school. Therefore, it's important they're eating the right foods. The British Dietetic Association (BDA) emphasises that children require a range of nutrients to support their brain function and learning capacity. A proper intake of nutrients can only be achieved by eating a balanced diet full of various healthy foods. However, certain nutrients are particularly crucial for maintaining a child's focus in school. Let's look at some of the main ones. The importance of vitamin D and omega-3 Both vitamin D and omega-3 have been identified as having a substantial impact on a child's mood and their ability to concentrate in an educational environment. A controlled clinical trial involving 50 children with ADHD discovered that those with higher vitamin D levels exhibited significantly improved attention compared to those with lower levels. The same study concluded that vitamin D could enhance cognitive function in children with ADHD. Similarly, a study examining the role of omega-3 in a child's attention found that it could boost cognitive performance in children and adolescents, while a deficiency could lead to reduced attention levels. Full list of foods that could impr If you're worried about your child's attention span, consider incorporating more foods rich in vitamin D or omega-3 into their diet. Common sources of these nutrients can include readily available fatty fish, as well as certain vegetables, seeds, and nuts. While red meat can provide valuable nutrition, it's generally advised to consume it in moderation due to its high levels of saturated fat and salt. Some foods you could introduce into your child's diet include: Salmon Tuna Mackerel Sardines Eggs Mushrooms Fortified cereals and milk Flaxseed Chia seeds Soybeans Walnuts Canola Oil Spinach Brussels sprouts The NHS also suggests that children should aim for at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day to ensure they're receiving an adequate amount of minerals, vitamins, and fibre. If you have concerns about your child's attention span or diet, it's recommended to consult with your GP before making any significant dietary changes.
