Young people with ADHD may need support in different ways. Whatever best helps, you can find out more about it in this section of our website. There are links to organisations that offer advice and practical support, as well as useful websites and directories that will signpost you to more help. Young people with ADHD may also find the information for adults with ADHD helpful.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please let us know via our feedback form.
“If you’re struggling with a particular aspect of ADHD, there’s sure enough someone else who struggles with it too”
Natalie, Swanage
Online information and guidance
These websites provide helpful information on a wide range of topics linked to ADHD in young people.
National NHS website – ADHD information
The national NHS website includes information on the symptoms of ADHD, as well as advice about diagnosis, treatment, and living with ADHD.
Young Minds – guide to ADHD
The Young Minds website includes a guide for young people living with ADHD.
Children and young people with ADHD – advice and support pack
This useful guide from Dorset’s Child Development Centre provides a general overview of ADHD and characteristics that people with ADHD have, as well as strategies that may help at home.
ADHD UK – about ADHD
The ADHD UK website provides information, videos and animations to help people understand more about ADHD in young people.
NICE guidelines – ADHD diagnosis and management
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on the diagnosis and management of ADHD gives a useful clinical overview of the condition, as well as information and resources for families.
Understanding ADHD
The Understanding ADHD section of the website includes information on topics including ADHD traits, the diagnosis process and living with ADHD.
Online information and guidance
These websites provide helpful information on a wide range of topics linked to ADHD in young people.
National NHS website – ADHD information
The national NHS website includes information on the symptoms of ADHD, as well as advice about diagnosis, treatment, and living with ADHD.
Young Minds – guide to ADHD
The Young Minds website includes a guide for young people living with ADHD.
Children and young people with ADHD – advice and support pack
This useful guide from Dorset’s Child Development Centre provides a general overview of ADHD and characteristics that people with ADHD have, as well as strategies that may help at home.
ADHD UK – about ADHD
The ADHD UK website provides information, videos and animations to help people understand more about ADHD in young people.
NICE guidelines – ADHD diagnosis and management
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on the diagnosis and management of ADHD gives a useful clinical overview of the condition, as well as information and resources for families.
Understanding ADHD
The Understanding ADHD section of the website includes information on topics including ADHD traits, the diagnosis process and living with ADHD.
Emotional health and wellbeing
Many people with ADHD experience emotions differently to others. It is estimated that emotional dysregulation affects around half of all adults with ADHD. Young people with ADHD may therefore need additional support to manage their emotional wellbeing.
Dorset Youth – mental health support
Find information on organisations that provide mental health support to young people in Dorset.
Public Health Dorset – directory of support
Find information on organisations that provide mental health support to children and young people.
Steps2Wellbeing service
Dorset HealthCare’s Steps2Wellbeing provides free talking therapies and guided self-help to people aged 18 and over who are experiencing anxiety or depression. It can be accessed online via self-referral.
Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)
In some cases, CMHT may provide support to young people aged 18 and over who are experiencing mental health difficulties.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
In some cases, CAMHS may provide support to autistic children and young people under the age of 18 who are experiencing mental health difficulties.
24/7 support if you need to talk
If you are struggling and need to talk, these free services are available at any time, day or night, whatever age you are:
- Call Dorset’s 24/7 mental health helpline Connection on 0800 652 0190
- Text SHOUT to 85258 for confidential support via text message
- Call the Samaritans on 116 123, however big or small the problem
More information on mental health and wellbeing
Learn more about mental health and wellbeing for neurodivergent people in our section on mental health and neurodiversity.
Emotional health and wellbeing
ADHD is not a mental health condition but young people with ADHD may be more likely to experience mental health challenges and need support.
Many people with ADHD experience emotions differently to others. It is estimated that emotional dysregulation affects around half of all adults with ADHD. Young people with ADHD may therefore need additional support to manage their emotional wellbeing.
Dorset Youth – mental health support
Find information on organisations that provide mental health support to young people in Dorset.
Public Health Dorset – directory of support
Find information on organisations that provide mental health support to children and young people.
Steps2Wellbeing service
Dorset HealthCare’s Steps2Wellbeing provides free talking therapies and guided self-help to people aged 18 and over who are experiencing anxiety or depression. It can be accessed online via self-referral.
Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)
In some cases, CMHT may provide support to young people aged 18 and over who are experiencing mental health difficulties.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
In some cases, CAMHS may provide support to autistic children and young people under the age of 18 who are experiencing mental health difficulties.
24/7 support if you need to talk
If you are struggling and need to talk, these free services are available at any time, day or night, whatever age you are:
- Call Dorset’s 24/7 mental health helpline Connection on 0800 652 0190
- Text SHOUT to 85258 for confidential support via text message
- Call the Samaritans on 116 123, however big or small the problem
More information on mental health and wellbeing
Learn more about mental health and wellbeing for neurodivergent people in our section on mental health and neurodiversity.
Local organisations
The two local SENDiass services provide specialist support and information for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), which can include ADHD.
Dorset Recovery Education Centre
Dorset’s Recovery Education Centre is run by Dorset HealthCare and Dorset Mental Health Forum. The centre provides courses to help anyone aged 18 or over with ADHD, as well as those supporting them. Courses take place in person and online, and cover the strengths and challenges of living with ADHD, the diagnostic process, facing change, and support.
Local organisations
Specialist support and information is available for young people with special educational needs, which can include ADHD.
The two local SENDiass services provide specialist support and information for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), which can include ADHD.
Dorset Recovery Education Centre
Dorset’s Recovery Education Centre is run by Dorset HealthCare and Dorset Mental Health Forum. The centre provides courses to help anyone aged 18 or over with ADHD, as well as those supporting them. Courses take place in person and online, and cover the strengths and challenges of living with ADHD, the diagnostic process, facing change, and support.
Peer support and networks
Peer support can be accessed via groups, networks and activities in the local community. It can provide a non-judgmental, safe space that allows people to connect with others, speak openly, and share advice and suggestions.
Dorset Youth – Activity Finder
This searchable directory includes details on a wide range of groups and activities for young people, and allows users to search by support type, including ‘SEND/neurodiverse’.
Help and Kindness Directory
The Help and Kindness Directory provides information on groups and organisations in Dorset that offer peer support.
ADHD Adult UK
The charity provides an online community forum for adults with ADHD over the age of 18. The charity also hosts public talks and workshops on ADHD around the UK, in partnership with Seed Talks.
Peer support and networks
Peer support brings people together to share experiences, and can help young people with ADHD to connect.
Peer support can be accessed via groups, networks and activities in the local community. It can provide a non-judgmental, safe space that allows people to connect with others, speak openly, and share advice and suggestions.
Dorset Youth – Activity Finder
This searchable directory includes details on a wide range of groups and activities for young people, and allows users to search by support type, including ‘SEND/neurodiverse’.
Help and Kindness Directory
The Help and Kindness Directory provides information on groups and organisations in Dorset that offer peer support.
ADHD Adult UK
The charity provides an online community forum for adults with ADHD over the age of 18. The charity also hosts public talks and workshops on ADHD around the UK, in partnership with Seed Talks.
Preparing for adulthood
The two local councils provide information and advice for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) moving from children’s services to adult’s services. This may be helpful to some young people with ADHD who have previously benefitted from the support of these services.
Preparing for adulthood
Moving from children’s services to adult’s service can sometimes be challenging for young people with special educational needs.
The two local councils provide information and advice for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) moving from children’s services to adult’s services. This may be helpful to some young people with ADHD who have previously benefitted from the support of these services.
Training and support
Recovery Education Centre
Dorset’s Recovery Education Centre runs a four-week course for anyone aged 18 or over with ADHD, as well as those supporting them. The course provides an opportunity to learn more about the condition, and to recognise the impact, challenges and strengths of living with ADHD.
Find out more about training courses for neurodivergent people and opportunities to take part in research.
Training and support
Specialist training is available in Dorset for anyone aged 18 or over who would like to understand more about ADHD.
Recovery Education Centre
Dorset’s Recovery Education Centre runs a four-week course for anyone aged 18 or over with ADHD, as well as those supporting them. The course provides an opportunity to learn more about the condition, and to recognise the impact, challenges and strengths of living with ADHD.
Find out more about training courses for neurodivergent people and opportunities to take part in research.
Articles and blogs
Articles and blogs
Information and advice from members of Dorset’s neurodivergent community on topics including dating, relationships, times of change and more.
Visit the Living Your Life section of our website.
“When I was first diagnosed, it was a mix of relief and anxiety. It was a relief in that it explained a lot about me and I was able to get medication to support myself. The anxiety came from the fact it was a lifelong diagnosis – it wouldn’t change anything, but it’s something that’s a part of me now. “
More helpful information
Support for children with ADHD
Groups and activities, parent support groups, local charities, educational support and more
Local groups and organisations, online support, emotional health, advocacy and more
Digital tools, sensory resources and practical aids that can help neurodivergent people in different settings
Living your life
Navigating a neurotypical world can sometimes be tough.
Living your life
Navigating a neurotypical world can sometimes be tough.
