ADHD Family Resources
ADHD Overview
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neuro-developmental disorder which affects a person’s ability to exert age-appropriate self-control. It is characterised by persistent patterns of inattentive, impulsive, and sometimes hyperactive behaviour, and is frequently accompanied by emotional regulation challenges. – ADHD Australia.
ACT ADHD Supports & Services
Canberra & Queanbeyan ADD Support Group (ADDACT)
Regular meetings take place at Canberra College, Fl.1, 2 Launceston Street, Phillip ACT.
Information & support line:
- 02 6290 1984 (business hours)
- 02 6287 4608 (from 6pm – 9pm)
Parents of kids with ADHD in Canberra & surrounds
This group is for parents of children with ADHD to connect and share experiences in the Canberra and?surrounding area. The group facilitates regular support groups/catch-up sessions, both in person and online.
Education Directorate ADHD Support and Services
For Parents
Schools can refer families, with consent, for social work support. This focuses on supporting the family to access/link to community services as required.
- Families can also request a meeting with a school psychologist to discuss any concerns.
- Access to School Psychologists.
- Teachers complete parent documentation as requested, e.g., questionnaires and surveys for Pediatricians.
For Children
Schools can refer to Education Support Office services to support students. These services can include:
- advice for teachers from allied health professionals (speech language pathology and occupational therapists),
- professional learning for staff related to making reasonable adjustments and the development of Individual Learning Plans
- school access to a Positive Behaviour for Learning coach to support the whole school approach to a positive behaviour culture
- access to a school psychologist
- access to Allied Health to provide educator support on meeting a child’s needs.
Canberra Health Services ADHD Support and Services
Enhanced Child Health Services
This service encompasses the Child and Family Counselling Team, and the Multidisciplinary Assessment, Intake and Navigation (MAIN) Team. These teams of allied health and nursing clinicians provide support and intervention to children and families who are at risk of poor health and development outcomes. These range from brief, short-term interventions, to extended counselling support and specialist education and training.
Developmental and Behavioural Paediatric Team
This team provides medical services for children and adolescents requiring assessment, treatment or review relating to suspected or established developmental delay or disability, and behavioural or emotional concerns. Children and young people needing a Paediatrician review require a referral from a medical officer.
ACT Playgroups Support and Services
PlayConnect+
PlayConnect Plus Playgroups are facilitated playgroups for families with a child aged from birth to 8 years with a disability or chronic illness. No diagnosis is required to attend. Cook, Phillip, Greenway, online-only playgroup. Find out more!
PALS Inclusive Program
The Play and Learn Support Program (PALS) is a facilitated inclusive playgroup which aims to provide a supportive environment for families with a disability to enjoy a sports, arts, or recreation activity. Click here for more information.
Capital Region Community Services (CRCS) Support and Services
Family Support
Family Support provides case management for families through an Assessment and Action process, to support families to identify needs and wants, set goals to meet these, and collaboratively work to achieve these. Read more
Family Foundations
Family Foundations provides individual support to families with children aged 0-5 years, focusing on enhancing attachment, positive relationships, and parenting capacity. Read more
Family Education
Family Education provides playgroups, parent/carer education groups (Circle of Security, Tuning into Kids, Seasons for Growth) and community groups.
Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
If you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander of any age, you can access a free comprehensive wholistic health check every year through Medicare with bulk-billed GPs or Winnunga Health Services. This 40-60 minute comprehensive and wholistic review can help explore ADHD symptoms or other areas of concern, and if your doctor recommends a specialist referral, you can access 10 free follow up allied health appointments.