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  • What is ADHD?
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    • ADHD is more common than you think
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        • Tips on how to support children with ADHD
        • Parent Support is a Phone Call Away
      • ADHD in schools
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        • FAQs for staff at tertiary education organisations
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FAMILies managing adhd

If someone in your family has ADHD, life can be interesting.

​Interacting with someone who has ADHD can have benefits, but can also be complex and managing your, and their, expectations may require a multi-tiered approach tailored to the specific needs of that person.

​Click on each heading or "+" to find out more.
Understanding and accepting
ADHD can be very difficult for you, however, it's vital that everyone (your extended family, teachers, youth workers and co-workers) understands and knows what's expected of them.

​You can all make a positive impact on someone living with ADHD by showing appreciation and acknowledgement of them.
Family counselling
This can play an important part in your family dynamics, providing the counsellor has good knowledge of ADHD. Check this before starting. Siblings often struggle to cope with the challenges of living with a brother or sister who receives extra attention. 
Parenting courses ​
These can play an important role in managing your child with ADHD. Incredible Years is widely available and is free. For details see the Ministry of Education website or check out our supporting organisations.

Government support for families managing ADHD

​You may be eligible for various government support depending on your situation. Some of these are (click on each heading or "+" to find out more):
Child Disability Allowance (WINZ)
Children who are under 17 years and have severe ADHD are entitled to this allowance.

This allowance does not depend on income or costs and helps those caring for children with a disability at home. 
​
For details see the Work and Income New Zealand website or check out our supporting organisations. ​
​ 
Disability Allowance (WINZ)
Getting the allowance depends on your income, assets and costs. 

​This allowance can help with costs like regular visits to the doctor, hospital, medicines, extra clothes, food or travel.

For details see the Work and Income New Zealand website or check out our supporting organisations. 
Childcare Assistance (WINZ)
The level of Childcare Assistance support is based on your income and number of children you have.

​It provides financial support for childcare and out-of-school care and includes Childcare Subsidy 
for pre-school children, Out-of-School Care and Recreation (OSCAR) subsidy for children aged 5 – 13 years. 

For details see the Work and Income New Zealand website or check out our supporting organisations. 

Carer Support
Carer Support is funded by the Ministry of Health and is based on an assessment by a Needs Assessment Service Coordination (NASC) agency.

It 
offers the carer/support person a break by helping to pay for an alternative carer for an agreed number of days. Carer support days can also be used to pay for various after school and recreational programmes. 
​
For details see the Ministry of Health website or check out our supporting organisations.
Help at School
If you're worried that your child is not progressing at school, either in learning or behaviour, then talk to the classroom teacher, the school’s Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) or the principal.

Students with learning or behavioural difficulties may have access to the following assistance options:
  • extra assistance
  • adapted programmes or learning environments, and/or
  • specialised equipment or materials.

You can ask for an Individual Education Plan (IEP) meeting.
  • This is attended by all the people closely involved with the student to identify needs and set goals.
  • It gives the school and home a chance to work together to form strategies and exchange information and gives the student a better chance of success.
  • Make sure roles and responsibilities are allocated and a review date is set.

Your child might be referred to a Resource Teacher: Learning & Behaviour (RTLB).
  • These teachers are specially trained and may work in just one school or across a group of schools.
  • They might provide direct teaching or help the classroom teacher or aide with teaching strategies and behavioural management techniques.

Each school receives a Special Education Grant (SEG) to support students with moderate levels of difficulty, however the school sets priorities to best meet these needs. This fund is used for teacher aides etc.

​Various other services are available, though less common. For details see the Ministry of Education website or check out our supporting organisations.
​
Photo by Sasint

Managing ADHD at school
Managing ADHD at school
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The material on our website is provided for educational purposes only. Your use of our website is governed by our Privacy Policy and Disclaimer. We are a not-for-profit organisation that can provide you with ongoing support in your ADHD journey. However, we do not provide medical advice, assessment, diagnosis, or treatment. Your GP can recommend a suitable healthcare professional to you.

What's ADHD?

Adults with ADHD
​Children and teens with ADHD
​ADHD is more common than you think
Why it's good to have ADHD
​Inspiring stories from people who have ADHD
​
News and research

Have you got ADHD?

Think you're an adult with ADHD?
Think your child has ADHD?
How to get a diagnosis for ADHD

Getting an assessment and diagnosis of ADHD
Self-screening tool for adults with ADHD
Co-morbidities
​
FAQs

Succeed with ADHD

Find healthcare professionals near you
The different types of healthcare professionals
Managing ADHD
Families living with ADHD
​Tips on how to support children with ADHD
ADHD in schools
ADHD in tertiary education organisations
​
Tips for adults managing life and ADHD
​ADHD medication
​ADHD stimulant medication
​ADHD non-stimulant medication
ADHD anti-depressant medication

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Become a member of ADHD NZ's community
ADHD Wellington
ADHD events and promotions
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Content on ADHD.org.nz is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial 4.0 International License.​
Picture
  • What is ADHD?
    • Adults with ADHD
    • Children and teens with ADHD
    • ADHD is more common than you think
    • Why it's good to have ADHD
    • Inspiring stories from people with ADHD
    • News and Research on ADHD
  • Have you got ADHD?
    • Think you're an adult with ADHD?
    • Think your child has ADHD?
    • How to get a diagnosis for ADHD >
      • Getting an assessment and diagnosis for ADHD
      • Self screening assessment tool for adults who suspect that they have ADHD​
    • Co-Morbidities
    • FAQs
  • Succeed with ADHD
    • Access ADHD Healthcare Professionals >
      • The Different Types of Healthcare Professionals
    • Managing ADHD >
      • Families living with ADHD >
        • Tips on how to support children with ADHD
        • Parent Support is a Phone Call Away
      • ADHD in schools
      • ADHD in tertiary education organisations >
        • FAQs for staff at tertiary education organisations
        • Feedback from staff at tertiary education organisations
      • Tips for adults managing life and ADHD
    • ADHD Medication >
      • ADHD Stimulant Medication
      • ADHD Non-Stimulant Medication
      • ADHD Anti-Depressant Medication
    • ADHD Support Organisations
    • Become a financial member of ADHD NZ >
      • ADHD Wellington
      • Events and promotions
      • Vlogs, blogs and ADHD news
  • About Us
    • ADHD NZ 2021: past, present and future
    • Our People
    • Help Us By Volunteering
    • Contact Us
    • Sponsors
    • ADHD Ambassador