Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects how children attend, regulate, organise and participate in everyday activities. For many families, navigating information, assessments and support pathways can feel overwhelming.

The Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Guideline for ADHD brings together current research, clinical expertise and lived experience to guide best practice for children and young people with ADHD. At The Therapy Network (TTN), this Guideline closely reflects the way our paediatric occupational therapists already work alongside children and families — with a focus on strengths, participation and wellbeing.

Understanding ADHD Through a Strengths-Based Lens

A key message of the Guideline is that ADHD is neurodevelopmental, not behavioural. Children with ADHD are not choosing to be inattentive, impulsive or highly active — their brains process information, regulation and attention differently.

At TTN, we take time to understand each child’s unique profile, including:

  • Strengths, interests and motivations
  • Regulation and sensory processing needs
  • Executive functioning skills such as planning, organisation and emotional control
  • How attention differences impact everyday tasks

By starting with understanding, we can build support that feels respectful, achievable and meaningful.

Supporting Participation in Everyday Life

The Guideline emphasises that effective support extends beyond the clinic and into real-life environments. Occupational therapy focuses on helping children participate successfully in daily activities that matter to them and their families.

At TTN, this may include support with:

  • Daily routines and transitions
  • Emotional regulation and impulse control
  • Self-care tasks such as dressing, eating and sleep routines
  • Classroom participation and task engagement
  • Community activities, friendships and play

Rather than expecting children to adapt to environments that don’t fit, we work to adapt environments, expectations and supports to better suit the child.

Families as Key Partners

Families play a central role in supporting children with ADHD, and the Guideline strongly reinforces the importance of family-centred care.

TTN therapists work in partnership with families by:

  • Collaborating on goals that reflect family priorities
  • Providing practical strategies that fit naturally into everyday routines
  • Supporting parent understanding and confidence
  • Adjusting support as children grow and develop

Supporting a child with ADHD is a journey — and families deserve guidance that feels supportive, not overwhelming.

Working Together Across Settings

The ADHD Guideline highlights the importance of collaboration across health and education systems. Children benefit most when strategies are consistent across home, educational and community settings.

At TTN, our therapists regularly collaborate with:

  • Educators and support staff
  • Paediatricians and psychologists
  • Other allied health professionals

This collaborative approach helps ensure children experience consistent support wherever they are.

What This Means for TTN Families

The Australian ADHD Guideline reinforces the approach we take at TTN — therapy that is:
✔ Evidence-based and reflective
✔ Individualised and strengths-focused
✔ Grounded in real-life participation
✔ Collaborative and family-centred
✔ Focused on wellbeing, not just symptoms

Looking Ahead

The value of the ADHD Guideline lies in how it is used in everyday practice. At TTN, we see it as both a validation of our current approach and a guide for continued growth — ensuring we provide thoughtful, respectful and meaningful support for children with ADHD and their families.

If you’d like to learn more about how occupational therapy can support your child with ADHD, we encourage you to speak with your TTN therapist. We’re here to listen, collaborate and support you every step of the way.