Behavioural Disorders - ADD ADHD

ADD ADHD
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is one of the most challenging and controversial areas of special education facing teachers in UK schools today.

Parents of ADD children live in chaos; they have to supervise and cope with unrealistic limits, often with little or no support, leading to stress and frustration in the family.

Parents and teachers may assume the child is lazy...

What is ADD?

ADD/ADHD is an extremely distressing condition affecting up to 8 per cent of school-age children. It is a neurological condition, probably genetic in origin, where the sufferer has a limited ability to sustain attention, and has reduced control over words or actions as a result of impulsiveness and lack of appropriate forethought. When there is also hyperactivity (ADHD), sufferers find it hard to control the amount of physical activity appropriate to a situation and their behaviour may be highly disruptive.

What causes ADD?

No one has precise data on the cause of ADD/ADHD and much still needs to be studied, but recent research seems to suggest that it is due to an inherited imbalance of neurotransmitters. There are many examples of adults who were never diagnosed (or who were misdiagnosed) as children, who are later diagnosed by an ADD/ADHD-aware professional. Often the evidence was always there, but little or no appropriate action taken.

The most recent explanation for those more obvious hyperactive/impulsive types is ‘response inhibition’, which seems to suggest that individuals live essentially in a constant state of being on high alert and are unable to shut out any sensory, visual or auditory stimuli coming their way and therefore unable to concentrate enough to make use of incoming information.

Helping those with ADD

An early diagnosis and treatment can save a child the pain of inappropriate social skills and deflated confidence, and is crucial to a child’s chances of achieving a good quality of life.

Referral to a specialist in the field of ADD/ADHD is important to ensure the correct diagnosis and care. ADD/ADHD is a complex disorder that varies greatly in type and severity between individuals and requires a multi-professional approach. Traditionally, ADD/ADHD has been poorly understood and not very well catered for, but enhanced knowledge and understanding of the condition particularly within education has led to recent improvements.

Typical signs of ADD

Often clingy, quiet and over-shy, they are easily led yet find instructions difficult to understand.

ADD sufferers are inattentive, may have problems in concentrating and focusing, and may have difficulties with verbal and emotional impulsiveness. Schoolwork is often erratic and unpredictable. Parents and teachers assume the child is lazy; their school reports may say ‘Needs to concentrate and pay attention’. They tend to be daydreamers. Both ADD and ADHD sufferers are prone to become victims of bullying.

Does ADD affect development?

It is generally agreed that ADD/ADHD does not have a significant effect on intellectual ability. ADD/ADHD sufferers are usually of normal to high intelligence, highly creative and intuitive, with enhanced physical ability. However, the difficulty with concentration means they frequently do not fulfil their true potential. This underachievement, and persistent criticism because of behaviour, can lead to low self-esteem and depression. Sufferers may lack motivation and organisational skills, are often the class clown and may play truant. Sleep disorders often accompany ADD/ADHD, and if the condition is not treated before puberty other problems may emerge.

The weight of the law

Some schools seem to find it difficult to accept the condition and any appropriate treatment, despite being unwilling victims of the consequences of ignoring it.

It has been stated in Parliament, and clearly proven in the courts, that ADD/ADHD is one of a number of conditions which give rise to special educational needs.

If you suspect your child has ADD/ADHD, consult your GP who will be able to rule out any physical causes for your child’s behaviour (hearing loss, thyroid problems etc) and refer you to appropriate professionals who will be able to assist with a diagnosis and appropriate help. If schooling is an issue, the LA should have a list of suitable mainstream and specialist provision.

The impact …

Conservative estimates as described by Paul Cooper, Professor of Education at Leicester University, place the number of school-age children with ADD/ADHD within the UK at this time at approximately 500,000, though fewer than 50,000 students have a diagnosis at present.

In every class of 30 children it is likely that there will be between one and two students with ADD/ADHD.

Because of the potential impact of these children on the class dynamics in terms of teacher time and social interaction, it could well be argued that ADD/ADHD either directly or indirectly will affect every student within every classroom in the UK.