‘It is a very hurtful comment’

Raising and caring for a child suffering from ADHD (Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder) can take its toll on the best of families.

ADHD sufferers need a lot of therapy – which is very expensive

When outdoors, they rush headlong into hazardous situations. At school, their delayed progress can be worrying while, at home, their incessant talking can be wearing.

ADHD Family Support Group Malta, an NGO formed by parents of children with the condition, yesterday appealed for better structures and people to help them cope with daily struggles.

“Teachers, police officers, probation officers, lawyers and social workers need to be more aware and sensitive to ADHD. A lot of affected children are unfortunately kicked out of school,” committee member Pamela Muscat told The Sunday Times of Malta during yesterday’s seminar.

“They need to be able to recognise this condition and support those affected by it in a positive manner rather than a purely punitive one”.

As the mother of a 15-year-old son suffering from ADHD, and an ADHD sufferer herself, Ms Muscat is constantly faced with the challenges brought about by the condition and society’s lack of knowledge.

“Sometimes, when others see a child misbehaving, they instantly attribute it to bad parenting. It’s a very hurtful comment to make as we would truly be doing our utmost for our children.”

Pupils with ADHD pose particular challenges to their teachers. Teachers will need to adapt their learning environment to compensate for distractibility, limited organisational skills and low tolerance of frustration.

Tessa Anastasi, one of the founding members of the support group, insisted that it was not the teachers’ fault that they were ill-equipped.

“When studying at University, there’s a very short window where they tackle learning difficulties – and I’m speaking in general here. This needs to increase.”

The support group called for adequate provision of learning support assistants (LSAs) in all schools as well as an improvement in the statementing (information about statements of special needs) in schools’ board procedure when it comes to ADHD students and the elimination of the long period of time before statements are made.

They also called for improvements in the services provided at the Child Development Assessment Unit, the Young People’s Unit and Mount Carmel sections which handle people with ADHD.

“ADHD children currently do not qualify for an increase in the children’s allowance, unlike, for instance, autistic children,” Ms Muscat said.

“ADHD sufferers need a lot of therapy – which is very expensive.”

This summer, the support group will be organising a special summer camp for 20 children aged seven to 15 with ADHD, endorsed by Children’s Commissioner Helen D’Amato, who was also present at the seminar.

“Our families face serious challenges on a daily level and at times will find these struggles too heavy to shoulder,” Ms Muscat said.

“Family structures may crumble and people may be crushed under the weight of these burdens.

“Both children and their family members need help. Understanding and empathy is vital.”

What is ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurobehavioral disorder characterised by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another.

However, children with ADHD do not just grow out of these behaviours. The symptoms persist and can cause difficulties at school, at home, or with friends.

• A child with ADHD might:
• Have a hard time paying attention;
• Not seem to listen when spoken to directly;
• Get distracted and bored easily;
• Forget easily;
• Constantly move, squirm, or fidget;
• Not be able to play quietly;
• Talk too much;
• Act or speak without thinking;
• Have trouble taking turns;
• Interrupt others;
• Have no sense of time.

In most cases, ADHD is best treated with a combination of medication and behaviour therapy. No single treatment is the answer for every child and good treatment plans will include close monitoring, follow-ups and any changes needed along the way.