What is ADHD?

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Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

many children (and adults) have traits of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention

these traits can be strengths (1) – e.g. enthusiasm for a new project, thinking outside the box, noticing someone who has been left out of an activity

sometimes these traits can also cause difficulties – e.g. not listening to instructions, unable to focus on a task that is not particularly interesting to them, difficulty sitting for extended periods of time

ADHD is diagnosed when these traits of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity are so severe and persistent that they impair the child’s (or adult’s) ability to function (2)

children (and adults) with ADHD need support to discover and cultivate their strengths, as well as support to identify and address their difficulties (1)

ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood conditions

estimated to affect 5-7% of children across the world which is, on average, one child per classroom (3, 4)

numbers in UK slightly lower at between 1-2% (5) although these figures are based on prescriptions for ADHD medication which not all diagnosed children would use

no single cause has been identified but current understanding is that complex interactions of environmental (eg low birth weight, prematurity) and biological risk factors (heritable, genetic factors) contribute to development of ADHD (6)

ADHD may create problems in school, the family and the wider community (7, 8, 9)

academic underachievement for children with ADHD can have lifelong implications associated with poor academic and vocational progression, social skills and relationships, poor mental health, and criminality (10, 11, 12)

many children with ADHD have multiple diagnoses, including co-occurring autism, learning disabilities and conduct disorder (13, 14), highlighting the need for an individualised approach for each child

1. Climie et al., 2015; 2. American Psychiatric Association, 2013; 3. Polanczyk et al., 2007; 4. Dalsgaard et al., 2014; 5. NICE, 2019; 6. Russell et al., 2016; 7. American Psychiatric Association, 2013; 8. Daley & Birchwood, 2010; 9. Loe & Feldman, 2007; 10. Langberg & Becker, 2012; 11. Montgomery et al., 2018; 12. Parker et al., 2013; 13. DuPaul et al., 2012; 14. Reale et al., 2017.