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ADHD Students: A Case Study

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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, otherwise known as ADHD, is a neurological and behavioural disorder that can affect children, adolescents and can continue during adulthood. Within the UK, studies conducted of children ages 5 – 15 showed that 3.6% of boys and 0.0% of girls had ADHD (Holden et al). They are also often referred to as SEN (Special Educational Needs) students. The SEN Code of Practice 2014 states that all children with an identified SEN will have their needs met through mainstream schooling, and this includes many students with ADHD. This essay will set out to discuss key challenges students face in social and academic terms, and the challenges practitioners face with behavioural management and inclusion. It will also …show more content…

This section will discuss the advantages and drawbacks of medicating children as a result of being diagnosed with ADHD and it’s implications on a child in a mainstream school. Symptoms and behaviour patterns of ADHD children, differs widely as no two children are the same. Diagnosis of ADHD can be subjective varying from different medical professions. Due to the complexity of ADHD and other psychiatric behaviours that can mimic ADHD, it is often found that those taking medication do not require it and may only have mild symptoms. Many children diagnosed with ADHD are offered medication in a stimulant form as opposed to other drugs. This is often the preferred choice of medication as it has been used for a number of years by a variety of people and has shown little side effects when used correctly (Lougy, DeRuvo, and Rosenthal, 2007, p. …show more content…

LaVonne Kirkpatrick (2005) describes the negative issues this form of medication can bring. They say these medications are unhelpful around 25% of the time with the increase risk of consequences. A decrease in appetite is one of the side effects mentioned, which is harmful for not only academic development, but also their personal wellbeing. Within a school environment, it is often found to be a busy, fact paced environment that requires a lot from students that they may not be used to. An ADHD student who is in a mainstream environment may begin to feel weak due to their lack of appetite, and a as a result will not perform to their highest ability in class. Although their symptoms are under control, they lack self-efficacy and motivation to

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