Neurodevelopmental conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sometimes called neurodevelopmental disorders, are impairments of the growth and development of the brain or central nervous system. Often these conditions will affect emotion, learning ability, self-control and memory. They usually become apparent as an individual develops and grows.
About the Team
The Specialist ADHD Nursing Service is a team of nursing staff, clinical and operational leads, support advisors and a QB administrator, all who work closely with the Community Paediatrician Service. Together we provide support to children and young people who have a diagnosis of, or are in the process of an assessment for, neurodevelopmental conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Within the team, we have several clinicians who are also non-medical prescribers. This means that they can prescribe medication for ADHD within the team. Not all of the nursing team can do this, and many prescriptions will be via a shared care agreement with your child’s GP. We also have support advisors who are also qualified sleep practitioners. They are available to support parents/carers of children who are diagnosed with ADHD and are under the care of either the community paediatricians or ADHD nurses.
We offer a service across Derby City, Derbyshire (Amber Valley, Ilkeston and Erewash) and parts of southern Derbyshire. The team will try to see you in an area local to you, but this is not always possible, and travelling to other clinics for appointments is sometimes required.
You can find out more about us by clicking here to meet the team.
What parent support do we offer?
Waiting Well - You will have received acceptance of a referral for an ADHD assessment for your child/young person. The waiting well information is there to offer support to you whilst you are waiting for the appointment for assessment. You can access the waiting well voice over PowerPoint by clicking here or access the pre- diagnosis booklet here or download it here.
Further supportive information can be found at Derby and Derbyshire Emotional Health and Wellbeing website. This signposting website contains local and national links and resources which are regularly updated.
External support and advice - You can view this website support document in your browser, or you can download the website support document here. Visit Talking Mental Health Services for common psychological problems for 16 year olds and over. Carers UK provides information and guidance for carers.
Concerns about your child's sleep - You can download the sleep factsheet here. You can access further reading and support at thesleepcharity.org.uk
Concerns about your child's behaviour - You can find a factsheet for 6 - 11 year olds here, and for 12 - 18 year olds here.
Does your child already have a diagnosis? - If your child has a diagnosis of ADHD but is not under the care or review of a community paediatrician/nurse and you need support, please contact a member of the administration team and they will be able to support you with your query. Our contact details are 01332 224690 ext: 31887 or 31881.
How to make a referral for assessment
Referrals can be made for children and young people of school age – up to 16 – by nursery or schoolteachers, GPs, and school nurses via the neurodevelopmental pathway.
Following the referral, a multi-professional meeting takes place, and each referral is discussed and placed on the most appropriate service pathway. Children with possible ADHD will be seen by the team for assessment. Children may also be referred for assessment by the Community Paediatricians as we work together.
I have an appointment for a QB test
If you have been sent an appointment for the QB test please try to attend this appointment. This test is part of your assessment and it could delay the assessment process if you fail to turn up.
What is the QB test?
The QB test is a computer-based test that combines attention and impulse control measures with activity recordings collected by an infra-red camera. Your test results are compared with a group of people of the same age and gender who do not have ADHD.
What do I do during the test?
The test is done on the computer and lasts for 15 or 20 minutes. You will have a full explanation of the test and a practice run. You will sit in front of the computer wearing a headband. On the headband is an infra-red sensor. You will be given a controller to hold and will be asked to press the button on the controller if you see certain symbols.
Can parents or carers sit with children/young people while they are performing the test?
Parents and carers are welcome to come in for the introduction of the test and the practice run. After that we ask all adults accompanying the child/young person to wait in the waiting room. This is because we try to minimise noise, distraction, and disturbance during the test. The QB Administrator will be observing and recording notes of the test for the whole duration and can come and get parents or carers once it is completed. We thank you for understanding that this is a requirement of the test.
Will I find out if I have ADHD after the test?
No, we won’t be able to tell you if you have ADHD after this test. The test will be interpreted and form part of your assessment. The clinician may refer to the test in the assessment later. The tests are performed for different services carrying out assessment.
What happens if I can’t do the test on the day?
Don’t worry if. on the day. you are not able to perform the test for any reason. There are many children who are not able to understand the task or are unable to complete the test. We are still able to carry out your assessment when we offer you an appointment.
If your child has been diagnosed you can access further information here. The ADHD team will give you the password.
Research
Derbyshire Healthcare is proud to be a research active Trust and we carry out research in both our Children's Services and Adult Services.
Could you or your child / young person be involved in research? For more information, and for details on current projects and studies, please visit our main Research and Development page.