Young people with ADHD

Do you think your child has ADHD?

There’s no such thing as a routine in your house. Mornings and evenings can be a nightmare of cajoling, nagging and even shouting, to just get out the door or into bed. Finding food that they’ll eat, let alone that’s nutritious, is the next challenge - and that’s only if they sit for long enough to eat it. 

While they make friends easily, keeping them is another story. Playdates go more often than they come and you’re not sure how often other parents hear from their child’s teachers, but you seem to hear from your child’s regularly. 

Melt-downs are a common after-school occurrence and you’re torn between succumbing to their requests for more screen-time, because you know it helps to calm them down, and the guilt of wondering how much screen-time is too much.

For more information on how ADHD can present in young people see: ADHD in children and teens (adhd.org.nz) 

Getting your child assessed for ADHD

​By getting an assessment, and getting diagnosed with ADHD, you can start to understand that there’s a reason for the on-going challenges you and your child have been facing. This can be an enormous relief as well as help you, as a parent, to know when your child sincerely can’t help a behaviour versus when they are being a “little monkey”.

New rules for prescribing stimulant medicines and diagnosing ADHD widen the scope of professionals who can support you and your child.

From 1 February 2026, healthcare professionals competent in working with ADHD and young people will be able to assess and start those 17 and under on stimulant medication. These professionals include: 

• nurse practitioners working within paediatric services and child and adolescent mental health services

• psychologists

• vocationally registered paediatricians and

• vocationally registered psychiatrists. 

Starting with your GP 

There are two ways you can go about getting an assessment for ADHD:

• Through the public health system (which may involve a longer waiting time, but is free), or
• Seeing a private specialist (the waiting time may be shorter, but costs more).

Either way, it is always a good idea to visit your General Practitioner (GP) to discuss any issues you are having with your child. They can guide you through the process of getting an assessment and make recommendations specific to your situation (such as using insurance, the type of specialist, referring you to the specialist, and what you need to take with you).

Your child's school may also be able to help with the assessment process - they can be a great place to reach out to for support.

As a parent or caregiver, understanding this process and accessing the treatments and strategies available, can help you support your child to go on to make extraordinary contributions to society. 

Supporting children with ADHD 

For tips on supporting children with ADHD, check out our growing video collection. This page contains videos recorded from past conferences, events, and other activities. Speakers are experts in ADHD who aim to help you understand and support children with ADHD and help them grown into successful people. 

Supporting children with ADHD - videos (adhd.org.nz) 

Families living with ADHD 

Resources for families managing ADHD, including government support and tips for helping school-aged children are available at: Families living with ADHD (adhd.org.nz).

Events and support for young people with ADHD