ADHD - the troublemaker in the classroom
By Joan McFadden
He bangs on desks, interrupts lessons and makes Just William look like an angel in disguise. But it's not the child who's the culprit - it's ADHD, an unruly hyperactive disorder.
Does my child have ADHD?
What is the treatment?
Can my child go to a mainstream school?
What the school should provide
How can I help?
A true story
Does my child have ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is currently one of the most common childhood conditions, affecting between one to five per cent of school children in the UK - mainly boys.
Symptoms can include problems with inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness, however, establishing whether your child really has ADHD can be difficult. As Linda Corlett, educational psychologist with The City of Edinburgh Council Education Department points out: "Considerable controversy surrounds the extent of ADHD and there are no standard diagnostic tests. As a result, there is a wide variety in the quality of care in different areas - so it's vital that you contact your local ADHD support group for advice on schools for your child."
Here are some of the most common signs of ADHD to look out for:
Inattention - The childs pays little attention to tasks and detail. He is easily distracted, displays a lack of self-organisation, doesn't listen, avoids exercises requiring sustained mental effort (or doesn't finish them), loses homework, pencils etc. and seems forgetful but memory is normal on testing.
Over-activity - He fidgets, squirms and leaves his seat in class or during meals; he runs or climbs rather than walks; he is noisy and can't play or work quietly.
Impulsiveness - He has a tendency to blurt out answers too soon or fails to wait his turn; he interrupts or intrudes on others activities; he talks excessively without regard for social constraints.
What is the treatment?
Many children suffering from ADHD are on some kind of medication. Among the most common are: Ritalin, which controls hyperactivity; Risperadol, which reduces violent tendencies; Prozac, which acts as a tranquilizer; Clonidine, for aggression and impulsiveness, and sleep problems; Imipramine, which helps anxiety and depression, and aids clarity of thought and attention.
The side effects can vary enormously, but your child will be carefully monitored when prescribed a new drug. Your child's doctor should also provide clear guidelines for you and your child's teachers on what side effects to be aware of.
Can my child go to a mainstream school?
Within mainstream schools there is now a much greater awareness of ADHD and most schools should be able to provide the sort of structured system required to help your child make the most of his skills while minimising disruptive behaviour.
Make sure when looking at a school that it has a supportive network in place and that your child will have an educational psychologist overseeing his progress. He or she will have a pivotal role in the co-ordination of all the involved parties: that is you the parents, your child and the school. This is normally regarded as the whole school approach, and will include a series of measures from a Record of Needs to an Individual Education Plan.
What the school should provide
According to Dr Christoper Green in his book Beyond Toddlerdom (Vermilion, £9.99), ADHD children at school need:
- A structured class run by a teacher who will be there every school day, all year
- A firm but encouraging teacher who knows when it is best to back off
- Seating near the front, away from distracting influences
- Clear step-by-step instructions and constant feedback
- Special supervision at times of change, such as coming in from a break or when he is on a school excursion
- Methods like token reward systems to help increase time on task
Another positive technique is known as 'reframing', and any school which actively encourages this is likely to be offering the kind of education you are looking for. Basically, this involves finding new and positive ways in which a child can use some of their individual characteristics to advantage. For instance, an ADHD pupil might then become someone who is viewed as a tireless, imaginative, independent thinker, who is single-minded and not averse to taking risks.
How can I help?
Keep in regular touch with the school to make sure it is meeting your child's needs. If your child is on medication, you should be informed of any change in behaviour immediately. Any ups and downs in family circumstances or routine can also have an affect on how your child copes, so stability is the key to helping your child.
Encourage your child to try out a variety of sports, hobbies and interests, in the hope that he may find something he can be successful at.
To help with school work, out-of-school tutoring may be useful, but don't overdo it as tutoring puts all the focus on your child's areas of failure.
ADHD children often have trouble building friendships. Try inviting school mates over or taking one of your child's friends on outings.
Most parents who have already been through the system recommend talking to support groups for advice. This can be particularly useful in identifying schools best equipped to deal with children with ADHD.
A true story
Anne and Kenneth Blackie had to fight all the way to get the right schooling for their son Andrew, now 12, but it's finally paid off
"It wasn't until Andrew had started primary school, and was in constant trouble due to his behaviour, that I saw a documentary about ADHD and realised what was causing his problems," says Kenneth.
"After being diagnosed we felt a sense of relief because we thought it would help if his problems were recognised as a medical condition, but in fact it took until Year 5 before Andrew was given a Record of Needs and the extra support needed, because the school had to get the necessary strategies in place. At the time, both public and medical awareness of ADHD was very limited. The last few years, however, have seen much more media attention and research being done.
Andrew is now attending a special school for children with ADHD and we are very aware of the positive effect this has had on him. But, I must admit, getting him this far has required a sustained effort on our part."
Joan McFadden is a journalist and a mother of four. She lives in Glasgow.
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