Understanding Attentional Functioning in Adult Attention – Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder—Could This Improve Diagnostic Specificity?
The diagnostic criteria for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) reflect the behavioral and functional outcomes of cognitive processes. Historically they have been based on external observations and lack specificity: clinical cohorts of children meeting diagnostic criteria show that around 40% may also meet diagnostic criteria for the oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). We have proposed a clinical model to explain this: the Mental Effort Reward Imbalances model of ADHD (MERIM).
To download more information
Would you like to take part in research about social skills in ADHD?
Another study revealed that children and young people who may have ADHD and are not diagnosed and treated were more likely to come into contact with the juvenile justice system. They were more than twice as likely to receive a Community Correction Order and three times more likely to be in detention.
AADPA is an independent, not-for-profit organisation with a diverse range of professionals within their membership across Australia and New Zealand. Formed in November 2016, AADPA is committed to working towards enhanced lifetime outcomes for individuals with ADHD and their families. Currently, the team are engaged in reviewing the ADHD guidelines.
Deloitte Access Economics was commissioned by the Australian ADHD Professionals Association to estimate the socioeconomic cost of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in Australia. ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder, and it is characterised by symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and in some cases excessive levels of hyperactivity. ADHD can have lifelong impacts on individuals, their families and society, although early diagnosis and quality treatment can improve individual outcomes substantially Deloitte Access Economics. (2019) ‘The Social and Economic Costs of ADHD in Australia.’ Report commissioned by Australian ADHD Professional Association (AADPA).
A report conducted by Parents for ADHD Advocacy Australia (PAAA) has a firm objective to increase the capacity of schools to support students with ADHD.
In August 2018, PAAA undertook an extensive national quantitative study focusing on the performance of Australian schools in meeting the needs of ADHD students. This study collected brand new, previously unavailable data from over one thousand Australian families who have one or more children suffering from ADHD.