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.

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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.

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Government support for families managing ADHD

​You may be eligible for various government support depending on your situation. Some of these are:

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

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