If you think your child may have ADHD

If you think your child may have ADHD, you’re not alone—many families navigate this journey. Every child is unique, and understanding their needs takes time. If you’re wondering whether your child might have ADHD, exploring early support strategies can be an important first step. A graduated response allows you to access practical resources and tailored approaches to help your child with focus, behaviour, and emotional regulation before considering a formal referral.

Schools, family support services, and community programs offer valuable tools that can make a big difference—whether it’s structured routines, classroom adjustments, or parenting strategies designed to support attention and behaviour. Many children benefit from these interventions without needing a diagnosis, and they can provide a strong foundation for understanding your child’s strengths and challenges.

We encourage families to explore these resources first, ensuring that the right support is in place early. If challenges persist despite these approaches, a referral for further assessment may be the next step. By working together and using the right tools, we can help every child reach their full potential.

Family Support Services

Family Support Services offer a variety of support to the whole family, including parenting advice, support around emotional and behavioural concerns, building relationships, supporting with other services including school and understanding child development.

To access family support in your area, please visit Staffordshire Connects

The Sandbox logoThe Sandbox is an 'online hub' for children and young people in South Staffordshire where they can safely seek help and advice about their mental health. The Sandbox is powered by Mindler, contracted by Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust.

The Sandbox provides a creative and engaging platform via livestreams, gaming, and short videos. They also provide quick access to mental health support including mental health assessment, internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) and one-to-one therapy.

 

Visit sandbox.mindler.co.uk

Referrals are made via self-referral on the website

Emotional health and wellbeing support for children and young people aged 5-18. Provided from locations throughout Staffordshire, including schools and colleges – Stay Well offers access to a wide range of support services to promote wellbeing and recovery from low-level mental distress, e.g.: stress, anxiety, phobias plus low mood. 

Stay Well also provides training and support for teachers and parents to help them understand and support children & young people who experiencing or at risk of mental distress.

Visit the Stay Well website

Telephone: 01782 418518

E-mail: staywellcypstaffs@changes.org.uk

Referrals are made via self referral on the Stay Well website.

The Graduated Response Toolkit in line with the SEN Code of Practice (2015) which has been produced by Staffordshire County Council.

It aims to provide guidance to schools regarding meeting the needs of children/ young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) at the Graduated Response level of The SEND Code of Practice.

It is helpful for parent/ carers to understand the type of support that may be useful according to a child’s needs.

Click here to access the toolkit on the Staffordshire County Council website.