Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition affecting children across all levels of care in the public health system. Early identification and appropriate management are essential to improving long-term outcomes, yet many healthcare professionals face challenges in accessing specialised training and support.

This advanced course provides an in-depth understanding of ADHD and equips clinicians with the knowledge and practical skills needed to confidently and safely provide pharmacological management for children with ADHD.

About the course

  • Course Design: Self-directed

  • Duration: It will take about 2 hours to complete.

  • Eligibility for this course:
    • Medical Officers working in primary care, district, and regional hospitals who are responsible for initial assessment and ongoing management of children with ADHD.
    • Family Physicians and Registrars supporting capacity-building and clinical governance at district level.
    • Paediatric and Psychiatric Registrars, particularly those providing outreach or consultation-liaison services
    • Pharmacists

  • Accreditation: This course is accredited for:
    • HPCSA: 2 Clinical CPD points (Level 1)

  • Certification: Participants need 70% pass mark for final quiz.

  • Published: August 2026

If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply to start:

Your supervisor details are required

Apply to enroll

Course outline

This course covers the following content:

Prescribing for ADHD in Children: Principles, Practice & Safety
  • Module 1: Introduction to ADHD
    • Definition of ADHD
    • Key symptoms and behaviours
  • Module 2: Practical prescribing
    • Understand how children are clinically assessed for ADHD through history, examination and use of standardised rating scales and diagnostic tools
    • Basic mechanism of action for stimulants & other pharmacological treatment of ADHD
    • Evidence for stimulants & addressing common myths
    • Factors to consider when prescribing stimulants
    • Importance of individualising treatment plans for children, considering age, co-morbidities & preferences
  • Module 3: Optimising treatment
    • How to monitor and follow up children on ADHD medication 
    • How to adjust dosages
    • Adverse/side effects of the medication and how to monitor children
    • Approach to a situation of poor response to medication
    • Process of discontinuing ADHD medication
    • Criteria and guidelines for referring clients with ADHD to specialists for further evaluation and management
  • Module 4: Non-pharmacological management
    • Non-pharmacological management options for ADHD
    • Counselling a family on parenting strategies for the child with ADHD
    • Counselling a family on behaviour management strategies
    • Advising a teacher on classroom management strategies
  • Module 5: Adherence
    • Factors that impact medication adherence and how to address them
  • Module 6: Second-line medications
    • Different types of ADHD medications (stimulants, non-stimulants) 
  • Module 7: Conclusion


Western Cape Government Department of Health and Wellness
People Development Centre

Acknowledgements:

  • University of Cape Town’s Knowledge & Instructional Development (KIDS) Training Hub
  • Knowledge Translation Unit