Psychology · Occupational Therapy
ADHD in children and adolescents
Clinically reviewed by Hannah Chamberlain
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in Australian children, affecting roughly 1 in 20.
Clinically reviewed by Hannah Chamberlain
Last reviewed 10 May 2026
This page reflects current clinical guidance. See the Hey Sprout editorial policy for review cadence and corrections.
What ADHD is — and isn't
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a behavioural problem and not a result of parenting.[] It shows up as some combination of inattention (trouble sustaining focus, easily distracted, losing track of tasks), hyperactivity (always on the move, fidgety, struggling to wait), and impulsivity (acting before thinking, interrupting). The mix varies child to child.[]
Diagnosis in Australia follows the DSM-5 criteria and is typically made by a pediatrician, psychiatrist, or psychologist. Hey Sprout doesn't diagnose — we provide ongoing therapy support after a diagnosis is in place, or we can help you sequence the right specialist appointments if you're not sure where to start.
How psychology and OT support ADHD
There's no one-size-fits-all therapy for ADHD. Most families benefit from a combination:
Psychology focuses on emotion regulation, self-esteem, and the executive-function skills that get harder with ADHD — planning, prioritising, transitioning between tasks. For children old enough, individual therapy includes practical strategies the child can carry into school. For younger kids, much of the work is parent-coaching.[]
Occupational therapy focuses on the day-to-day functional skills — handwriting, sleep routines, organising a backpack, getting through morning and bedtime sequences without meltdowns. OTs working with ADHD often integrate sensory approaches when sensory dysregulation is part of the picture.
Medication, when used, is prescribed by a pediatrician or psychiatrist — not by Hey Sprout therapists. Therapy is most effective alongside medication, but works on its own too.
NDIS funding for ADHD
ADHD on its own isn't an automatic NDIS-eligible condition, but functional impact is what matters for an access decision.[] Many children with ADHD do qualify, especially when the condition meaningfully affects daily living, schooling, or family functioning. If your child is approved, therapy is typically funded under Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living.
What a Hey Sprout session looks like
Sessions run online via secure video. For psychology with younger children, parents are typically in the room; with adolescents, sessions are usually one-on-one with parent debriefs at planned intervals. OT sessions blend direct work with the child and coaching for the parent — because most of the change happens between sessions, in real life.
Frequently asked questions
Does ADHD qualify for NDIS funding?
ADHD on its own isn't automatically NDIS-eligible — what matters is functional impact. Many children with ADHD do qualify, especially when the condition meaningfully affects daily living, schooling, or family functioning. We can help you assemble the evidence for an access request.
Can therapy help without medication?
Yes. Psychology and OT both work as standalone supports for ADHD, especially for emotion regulation, executive function, and daily-living skills. Many families find therapy plus medication is the most effective combination, but neither requires the other.
At what age can my child start therapy for ADHD?
Psychology and OT are appropriate from preschool age onward. For younger children much of the work is parent-coaching; from school age, sessions blend direct work with the child and parent collaboration.
What's the difference between psychology and OT for ADHD?
Psychology focuses on emotion regulation, self-esteem, anxiety, and executive-function skills. OT focuses on day-to-day functional skills — handwriting, sleep routines, organising for school, sensory regulation. Most families benefit from both, often sequenced rather than concurrent.
Do Hey Sprout therapists diagnose ADHD?
No. Diagnosis is made by a paediatrician, psychiatrist, or psychologist after a structured assessment. Hey Sprout provides therapy after a diagnosis is in place. If you're not sure where to start, we can help you sequence the right specialist appointments.
How Hey Sprout supports this
Related conditions
Depression in children and teenagers
Depression in young people is more than sadness — and it's treatable. Psychology, especially CBT and IPT, helps. If your child is at risk, get help now.
Anxiety in children and adolescents
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health concerns in Australian children — and one of the most treatable. Online, NDIS-funded psychology support.
Autism (Level 1 and Level 2) in children
Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference. Level 1 and Level 2 children typically benefit from speech, OT, and psychology support — and most are NDIS-eligible.
Cerebral palsy — therapy support for children
Cerebral palsy affects movement and posture. Goal-directed OT and speech therapy build independence and communication, online and coordinated with your team.
References
- Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD — Australian ADHD Professionals Association, 2022
- ADHD in children and adolescents — clinical overview — The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, 2024
- Effects of psychological interventions for children with ADHD — Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018
- NDIS supports for psychosocial disability — National Disability Insurance Scheme, 2024
