Children and Young People

ADHD in Children

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects people's behaviour. People with ADHD can seem restless, may have trouble concentrating and may act on impulse.

Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child's circumstances change, such as when they start school.

Many children go through phases where they're restless or inattentive. This is often completely normal and does not necessarily mean they have ADHD. If you think your child's behaviour may be different from most children of their age, you should discuss your concerns with their teacher and/or their school's special educational needs coordinator (SENCO).

In order that your child /the child in your care can be assessed for ADHD, they will need to be referred to CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service).

The most appropriate person at the school to make the referral is the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo). They will gather the appropriate information from your child’s teachers; they also understand the referral process, know the correct referral form to use and exactly what it is that CAMHS needs to know. They are therefore more likely to have a referral accepted.

CAMHS will then consider the information and arrange an appointment for a formal assessment if they agree it is going to be helpful for your child.

Unfortunately, in the past, we have found that our GP referrals have often been rejected as we don’t have access to the vital information required.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

CAMHS is a specialist service provided for children and young people under the age of 18, who have moderate or severe mental health conditions or for a child or young person who is having suicidal thoughts or behaviours. 

Children and Young people usually get referred to CAMHS when other support or approaches have not helped and when two or more areas of life are affected eg at school and at home. 

Although GPs can refer to CAMHS, you don’t need to see a GP to find out if your child is eligible to be referred to CAMHS-

The professional who works with your child or knows the most about them eg the Teacher, School Counsellor, the School Nurse, a Social Worker is the best person to contact the Community MH Liaison Service advice line to discuss the best way forward. 

Community Mental Health Liaison Service (CMHLS) is an advice and guidance line available for any professional working with a child or young person under the age of 18, who is experiencing mild to moderate mental health difficulties.

CMHLS advice line Tel number: 03003040304

Email: spnt.cmhlserviceaccesspoint@nhs.net

Early Intervention Psychosis

Psychosis in a Young Person can be very worrying and frightening. Getting professional help as soon as possible leads to to the best chance of recovery.

A young person developing psychosis will have their own unique set of symptoms and experiences, according to their particular circumstances.

If you are concerned that you or a young person close to you might be suffering from a psychosis, follow the link, check the signs and symptoms, and talk to the GP or phone the Early Intervention in Psychosis Service for advice and access to help.

Four main symptoms are associated with a psychotic episode:

  • hallucinations
  • delusions
  • confused and disturbed thoughts
  • lack of insight and self-awareness

For a young person causing concern with possible psychosis symptoms, anyone can refer them or they can refer themselves to;

Early Intervention Psychosis Service (EIP)

The Bedale Centre, 1 Glencathara Rd, Bognor Regis PO21 2SF.

0300 3040374

Integration Prevention and Earliest Help

Integrated Prevention and Earliest Help (IPEH) is available to support families and children with all sorts of problems that can affecting emotional health, behaviour, early or mild mental health problems. IPEH professionals can create an Early Help Plan.

Early Help Plans

Is a combination of 

  • the assessment
  • the outcomes everyone hopes to achieve, including the child/ren or young person/s
  • the action plan

Following an assessment, the next step is to agree with the family what would improve their situation, and think of actions that could start to make things better.

School Counselling

School Counselling and support can be found through your child’s school.

Ask to talk to the form teacher, the head teacher or the head of pastoral care for advice. They should be able to explain how your child can access the help that is available.

Schools can initiate an Early Help Plan, which helps children, and their families get access to help when emotions and behaviours are difficult to manage.

Young People's Shop

 

YPS is a charity that offers free and confidential support for young people aged between 11 and 25 who are struggling with their mental health, based in Chichester.

Youth Emotional Support

Youth Emotional Support (YES) is a free service for young people aged 11-18 who have issues that affect their wellbeing.

YES can help with issues such as-

  • Self-harming
  • Low mood and mild depression
  • Anxiety
  • Low Self-esteem

They now have a single point of access referral page, where you can ask for help. 

Find out more at the Find it Out Centre at YourSpace website for young people

Young Peoples' Mental Health is also support by Coastal West Sussex MIND

 

Page last reviewed: 04 July 2025
Page created: 04 July 2025