ADHD Concerns in Children: First Steps With a GP
If you are wondering whether your child has ADHD, you do not need to have the answer before booking a GP appointment. Parents often come in because a child is struggling with attention, impulsivity, emotional regulation, schoolwork, friendships, sleep or behaviour at home. A GP can help organise the first steps and make sure other causes are not missed.
Why this matters
ADHD assessment is not based on one behaviour or one bad term at school. Sleep problems, anxiety, learning difficulties, hearing or vision issues, trauma, family stress, autism, giftedness, medication effects and other health concerns can overlap. A GP can help gather information and guide referral to the right professionals.
A few helpful terms
· ADHD: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, involving patterns of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that affect functioning.
· Functional impact: How symptoms affect school, friendships, home life, safety or confidence.
· Questionnaires: Structured forms used to collect information from parents, teachers or clinicians.
Common reasons to book a GP appointment
· Teachers have raised concerns about attention, impulsivity or learning.
· Home routines are becoming very difficult because of behaviour or emotional outbursts.
· Your child is falling behind, losing confidence or avoiding school.
· Sleep, anxiety, mood, bullying or family stress may be part of the picture.
· You need referral guidance for paediatrician, psychologist or allied health assessment.
What we can talk through together
Your GP may ask about pregnancy and birth history, development, hearing, vision, sleep, snoring, school reports, behaviour across settings, family history, anxiety, mood, trauma, screen use, diet, exercise and strengths. They may suggest hearing or vision checks, questionnaires, school information, psychology support, parenting strategies, occupational therapy, paediatrician referral or mental health support depending on the child.
What to expect at the appointment
The first GP appointment is usually not about diagnosing ADHD on the spot. It is about understanding the concern, checking safety and function, and planning assessment. Bring the child if appropriate, but it can also be useful for a parent to have time to speak openly, especially if there are sensitive issues.
How to prepare
Bring school reports, teacher notes, previous assessments, hearing or vision results, and examples of what is difficult at home and school. Also write down your child's strengths, because assessment should not reduce a child to problems.
Care close to home in Maroubra and the Eastern Suburbs
Dr Amanda Henderson is a GP consulting at GP Maroubra, 14 Meagher Ave, South Maroubra NSW 2035. At GP Maroubra, she provides family-focused general practice care across pregnancy and pre-pregnancy health, shared antenatal care, women's health, contraception, paediatrics, skin checks, lifestyle medicine, travel medicine, men's health and preventive care. Patients commonly look for local care from Maroubra, South Maroubra, Coogee, Randwick, Malabar, Matraville, Pagewood and nearby parts of Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
Choosing a GP is personal. It is reasonable to consider location, appointment availability, communication style, continuity and whether the services offered fit the reason you are booking. The aim is to help you feel prepared for a useful appointment and to know when a concern needs more urgent attention.
When to seek urgent help
Seek urgent help if your child is at risk of harming themselves or others, has severe aggression that cannot be safely managed, is expressing suicidal thoughts, or there are serious safety concerns at home or school.
Common questions
Can a GP diagnose ADHD?
Assessment pathways vary. A GP can start the process, check for overlapping issues and refer to clinicians who assess and manage ADHD.
What information is most useful?
Examples from both home and school are important, especially when symptoms affect learning, relationships or daily routines.
Could sleep problems look like ADHD?
Yes. Poor sleep, snoring and tiredness can affect concentration and behaviour, so sleep should be discussed.
Should we wait and see?
Some mild concerns can be monitored, but if a child is struggling, losing confidence or family life is under strain, early help is reasonable.
Further reading from trusted Australian sources
Practical next step
If this sounds like the help you need, book a GP appointment with Dr Amanda Henderson at GP Maroubra. A longer appointment is usually best if the issue is complex, emotional, involves paperwork, or includes more than one concern. Appointments can be made online or by calling GP Maroubra on (02) 9311 9311 during practice opening hours.
General information only: This information is general and does not replace a consultation with a doctor who knows your history. Health advice can change, and your own risks may be different. In an emergency, call 000.