Watchful waiting

For ADHD ADHD ADHD is a difference in the way a child's brain works. It affects how they pay attention, how much energy they have, and how easily they act on impulse. Read the full definition of ADHD , national guidance describes a period of watchful waiting of up to around ten weeks for milder difficulties, alongside advice and support, before deciding whether to refer. The important parts are the ones parents are rarely told: it is time-limited, it should come with support rather than silence, and it ends with a decision.

If you are offered watchful waiting, you can ask three things, ideally in writing: how long the period will be, what support will be in place during it, and what happens at the end. If the difficulties are significant now, or things get worse during the period, you can go back before it ends and ask for the referral referral When a professional passes your child on to a specialist team for assessment or treatment. A GP, school or health visitor can usually make one. Read the full definition of referral to be made. Watchful waiting is a step in a pathway, not a reason to stop asking.