

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) affects one in twenty Australians, that’s 1.2 million people, but is frequently misunderstood and undiagnosed. It is a pattern of behaviour that begins in childhood, and in most cases continues throughout the person’s lifespan. Key features are inattention, distractibility, hyperactivity and impulsivity, and it may also be linked to other mental health conditions. Untreated ADHD can cause lifetime impairment; however there are effective ways of managing ADHD.

ADHD can be defined as a neurobiological developmental disorder.
Neuro = brain
Biological = is genetic and can run in families
Developmental = effects the ability to learn


Inattentive behaviours can include:

  7. forgetting to bring homework books home
  8. forgetting to do homework or return homework to school

Hyperactive behaviours can include:

  1. running off at school
  3. not remaining seated in the classroom
  5. interrupting other people’s conversations because unable to wait

Impulsive behaviours can include:

  1. being disruptive in class, perhaps trying to entertain people
  2. starting an activity without thinking through the consequences
  4. impulsively speaking without realising the comment might be inappropriate
  5. difficulty keeping secrets when asked
  6. difficulty tolerating boredom (opting for stimulating activities)
  7. getting excited about something new then quickly losing interest
  9. overeating and making poor food choices
  12. careless spending of pocket money or other savings


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