ADHD & Neurodiversity in Children and Young People
A practical course for children's residential and family support staff that reframes ADHD as a difference in how a brain regulates attention and activity, and turns NICE and SEND guidance into confident, everyday support that stops dysregulation being mistaken for defiance.
1 hour 45 mins
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Core Level
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Course Description
A practical course for children's residential and family support staff that reframes ADHD as a difference in how a brain regulates attention and activity, and turns NICE and SEND guidance into confident, everyday support that stops dysregulation being mistaken for defiance.
Aligned with Aligned with the SEND Code of Practice, NICE guideline NG87, and Equality Act duties to make reasonable adjustments for neurodivergent children. and legislation including Children and Families Act 2014 and Equality Act 2010, this course helps learners build confidence, strengthen judgement, and apply safer day-to-day practice.
Key Topics Include:
Explain neurodiversity as natural variation in how brains work, and describe what ADHD actually involves beyond the label of 'naughty' or 'attention seeking'.
Apply NICE guideline NG87 and the SEND Code of Practice to make practical, person-centred adjustments rather than waiting for a diagnosis to justify support.
Recognise how ADHD and co-occurring neurodivergence can present differently between children, and tell the difference between defiance and dysregulation before responding.
Use practical environmental and communication strategies that help a neurodivergent child regulate, and involve the child in understanding their own needs.
A child in a residential home is repeatedly labelled 'attention seeking' when their behaviour actually reflects untreated attention and impulse regulation difficulties.
A key worker mistakes a sensory-driven meltdown for a defiant outburst and responds with a sanction rather than a calming strategy.
A family support worker helps parents understand why 'just try harder to concentrate' does not work for a child with ADHD.
A team meeting has to decide whether to request an Education, Health and Care needs assessment for a child whose difficulties are being missed at school.
Important Notice
This awareness course is not a substitute for role-specific training or competency assessment. Always follow your organisation's policies and procedures.
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