What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.

It is thought to affect between 5 and 12% of school children, meaning on average, there are one or two children with ADHD in every 20-student classroom. At present, one study estimated that ADHD affects about 5% of the world’s population. As the illness can often result in disruptive behaviour in the classroom, it is often first identified at school.

Although ADHD is generally considered a childhood disorder, it is now known that approximately 80% of children affected with ADHD symptoms can carry the condition into adolescence and in over 60% of adults, the core symptoms will continue to cause impairment.