A leading educational consultant has warned against the “simplistic use” of data from a controversial survey to label children in Perth and Kinross with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).
According to the Evidence2Success study, which was carried out across the county in February last year, nearly one in five children experiences problems with hyperactivity.
However, Bill Colley, of Caledonia Learning and Care, says that such figures can be misleading and has questioned aspects of the controversial survey, which asked children about sex, drugs and knives.
Mr Colley was responsible for additional support in all schools across Perth and Kinross until September but left to form Caledonia Learning and Care.
He now works with schools, local authorities and support groups to improve services for children who have ADHD.
He said: “The Evidence2Success data is very useful in helping the local authority to plan services to meet local needs but great care must be taken when interpreting the results to ensure that the conclusions are not oversimplified and that they do not cause unnecessary alarm to parents.”
He continued: “We would normally expect only 5% or one in 20 children to meet the criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, so the survey data, if correct, is probably picking up on hyperactivity associated with other difficulties, such as disrupted sleep, low levels of general wellbeing, or problems in relating to the school environment and curriculum.”
Mr Colley is a leading member of the UK ADHD Partnership a panel of expert professionals who are keen to see more awareness of the disorder in schools and who are campaigning for pupils excluded from school for a second time to be screened for any underlying learning or developmental difficulties.
He said that only about one in five of those who have the condition in Tayside receives a diagnosis or any form of treatment and support.
“We know that, if left untreated, the outcomes can be very tragic,” he added.
“ADHD is a genuine condition, which is under-recognised in this country, and, contrary to popular opinion, it tends to persist into adulthood.
“It is also important to appreciate that it is a treatable disorder and that many of the difficulties . . . can be avoided, or their risks reduced, with early intervention and appropriate support.”
CLC is currently working with local voluntary groups and mental health teams to develop programmes to support children and families affected by ADHD in the hope that later offending behaviour can be prevented.