ADHD in Foster Care
Date published
27 September 2024
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects children and adults worldwide, characterised by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, when children and young people in care experience ADHD, the challenges can be even more complex due to the unique circumstances of their upbringing. Children and young people in care often face instability, trauma, and other factors that compound the difficulties already associated with ADHD, making it vital to provide tailored support and understanding.
Children and young people in care are disproportionately affected by mental health conditions, including ADHD. Research suggests that anywhere from 11% to 32% of children and young people in care have ADHD, compared to the 8% prevalence in the general population. This heightened occurrence is often linked to the various traumas these children have experienced, including neglect, abuse, and the instability of moving between homes.
Trauma and adversity have a significant impact on brain development, often contributing to behaviours that can be misdiagnosed as or exacerbate ADHD. For instance, a child who has experienced neglect may display inattention due to hypervigilance or emotional distress, which can be mistaken for ADHD symptoms. This overlap makes accurate diagnosis and treatment a challenge in foster care.
Managing ADHD in foster care presents unique challenges for children, foster carers and professionals. Some of the key challenges include:
Transitioning into a new foster home: Children and young people in care often experience frequent changes in their living situation, moving between homes, group homes, or even back and forth from birth families. This instability can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, as children with ADHD thrive on routine and predictability. Each new home requires the child to adapt to different rules, expectations, and environments, which can lead to increased anxiety and behavioural issues.
Misdiagnosis: Many children and young people in care have a history of trauma, which can manifest in behaviours similar to ADHD, such as difficulty focusing, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. As a result, ADHD can be either over diagnosed or underdiagnosed in this population.
Changes in healthcare: One of the most significant obstacles for children and young people in care with ADHD is inconsistent access to healthcare. Frequent changes in living situations often mean changes in healthcare providers, which can lead to gaps in treatment, missed diagnoses, or changes in prescribed medication.
Support for foster carers: Caring for a child with ADHD requires patience, structure, and specialised knowledge of the disorder. Foster carers may not have the training or support needed to effectively manage the unique needs of a child with ADHD. Additionally, foster carers must also navigate the complexities of working with the local authority, birth families, and medical professionals, which can be overwhelming.
Nexus Fostering are committed to helping children and young people who live with ADHD feel supported, understand, and importantly celebrated.
We aim to provide as many opportunities as possible for children and young people and their foster carers to explore ways to make the most out of the ADHD experience. Within this we hope to build a community of support that will enable the children and young people we care for build a positive and empowering relationship with ADHD.
While the challenges are significant, there are strategies that can help foster children with ADHD thrive. These approaches emphasise stability, trauma-informed care, and support for foster carers.
Next Blog: ADHD Coaching and support for young people, foster carers and staff.
Fostering insights
27 September 2024
