Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder


Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is probably the most common cause of behavioural disorder found in children. Poor concentration, hyperactivity and learning difficulties are some signs that a child might have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Some research shows that ADHD affects an estimated 8% to 10% of school-age children. Boys are about three times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with it, though it’s not yet understood why. The disorder shouldn’t be confused with normal, boisterous childhood behaviour. The condition can run in families. ADHD may be first noticed around the age of 18 months but might not be diagnosed until later.

Children with ADHD usually have issues with concentration and are more easily distracted. They struggle to control what they are doing or saying and are less able to judge the amount of physical activity that is appropriate for any given situation. This comes about because they tend to be impulsive and restless. If these symptoms persist over a long period of time and occur in a variety of settings then the child may have ADHD.

While children with ADHD have an intellect that may be normal or advanced, more than half of children with ADHD have specific learning disabilities, such as dyslexia. Living with ADHD can bring about under-achievement and poor self-esteem.

Children with ADHD may:
  • find sitting still difficult
  • be constantly fidgeting or squirming
  • interrupt others
  • be easily distracted
  • find it hard to take turns
  • find following instructions difficult
  • play noisily
  • lack the focus to finish a task before starting another
  • not consider the consequences in physically dangerous activities
  • have apparent listening difficulties
  • lack personal organisation
  • lack attention to detail and make careless mistakes
  • constantly lose things
  • talk excessively
  • call out the answers before hearing the full question
  • avoid tasks like homework that require sustained mental effort
Children with ADHD are also more likely to be depressed, anxious and obsessive and may have problems with speech, language and coordination. This will impair a child’s ability to function socially and academically, at school and at home. Not everyone with ADHD has the same symptoms or is affected by each to the same degree.

The causes of ADHD have not yet been fully explained. It may be caused by an inherited imbalance of neuro-transmitters which are chemicals that transmit nerves signals in the brain. One of the main problems with ADHD is that the brain has difficulty filtering the vast amount of information that we receive throughout the day.

Although there’s no cure, early diagnosis and appropriate help at home and in the school setting can make a big difference. Diagnosis should be undertaken using formal testing by someone with experience of the condition, such as an educational psychologist. The good news is that with the proper treatment and support, children with ADHD can learn to live with and manage their symptoms successfully.

Diet can play a significant part in hyperactive behaviour and it may be worth exploring dietary factors alongside other causes. It should be understood, however, that diet does not play a significant part in all cases.

The first steps in treatment include help with behaviour and stress management and educational support. Parents of children with mild to moderate ADHD should be offered training to show them how to cope with and manage their child’s behaviour. The children themselves may be offered support or social skills training.

The next step is to explore medication to help children concentrate and be less disruptive but ideally drugs should only be prescribed if behaviour management strategies alone don’t work. Where children hare more severe ADHD it may be that it disrupts many aspects of their life. In this case, medication can be considered as a first line treatment.

In many cases the most effective medications are stimulant drugs, such as methylphenidate (trade name Ritalin), which will improve a child’s ability to focus. It should be understood, however, that the response to drugs is variable and some children will respond better than others. In addition, there are various different medications and different drugs work better with different children. Further more, different dosing strategies can play an important role. With the correct help, many people with ADHD manage to channel their energies with great success.

The following strategies may help children with ADHD:
  • Ensure that there is a routine and try to follow the same timetable every day, from getting up to going to bed
  • Make use of visual timetables help the child see what is happening throughout the day
  • Help children to be organised - put school bags, clothing and toys in the same place every day so they will be less likely to lose them
  • Try to avoid distractions - turn off the TV, radio and computer games, especially when your child is doing homework
  • Limit choices - offer a choice between two things so that your child isn’t overwhelmed and has a simple choice to make
  • Make instructions clear - instead of long-winded explanations and cajoling, use clear, brief directions to remind children of their responsibilities
  • Use goals and rewards - use a chart to list goals and track positive behaviours, then reward the child’s efforts - ensuring at all times that the goals are realistic
  • Help the child discover a talent and work to build their social skills and self-esteem
  • Find out what a child does well and focus on praise to boost their self-confidence
Explore physical activities and find out what particular children enjoy. Active sports will help burn off excess energy which in turn helps them cope with the rest of their lives.


The following pages look in detail at particular aspects of Special Educational Needs:
Important for all Special Educational Needs

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