Acute Shortage of ADHD Medication - Updated Information For Schools

We are writing to all local schools to share updates on the nationwide shortage of ADHD medication.

Schools were previously contacting regarding acute shortages of ADHD medications nationally, which has the potential to significantly impact pupils within your school who are usually medicated for ADHD.

The shortages impact most of the common ADHD medications and are predicted to last for at least the next 3 months, with some medications almost fully unavailable and others in limited or sporadic supply. Young people with ADHD may be unable to access their usual treatment and will need to alter, reduce or stop their medications temporarily during this time. We have written to all children potentially impacted by this to offer further additional information and suggestions.

This is understandably a stressful time for pupils and families affected. Many have expressed concern about their ability to regulate their difficulties within school and continue to progress with their learning. For schools supporting children with ADHD, this shortage is likely to mean some pupils who were managing well on medication will require additional support, understanding and potentially adjustments to behavioural and academic expectations during the period without treatment.

Further information on ways to create positive environment for children with ADHD has been published by the ADHD foundation and may be useful for teachers navigating this challenging situation.

Guidance can be found at:
www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Teaching-and-Managing-Students-with-ADHD.pdf.

Many thanks for your help and support of this group of children during what is a stressful and uncertainty time for many.

Consultant Community Paediatricians and Childrens Specialist ADHD Nursing Team
Childrens Specialist ADHD Nursing Team