Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a behavioural disorder that includes symptoms such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. ADHD usually begins in early childhood and may become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances change, such as when they start school. Most cases are diagnosed when children are 6 to 12 years old. Therapy can help to support and work with these behavioural patterns.
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
Autism spectrum disorder is an umbrella diagnosis that now includes several conditions that used to be diagnosed separately: autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger’s syndrome. Typically, autism symptoms first appear in a child before the age of three. ASDs are lifelong development disabilities, which can cause difficulties with social interaction or restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests. People can be affected in very different ways – some can live relatively unaffected lives while others need specialist support. Therapy can provide support for those living with autism and offer coping strategies.