Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A person with ADHD has a chronic level of inattention, impulsive hyperactivity, or both such that daily functioning is compromised. The symptoms of the disorder must be present at levels that are higher than expected for a person's developmental stage and must interfere with the person's ability to function in different settings (e.g., in College and at home). A person with ADHD may struggle in important areas of life, such as peer and family relationships, and college or work performance.

What causes ADHD?

Despite at least 30 years of research worldwide, there is no clear explanation for why ADHD happens.

Some research has shown that the front part of the brain of someone with ADHD works a little differently compared to other people. This causes the brain to deal with information and feelings in a slightly different way.

Research has found that genes are a part of the reason for ADHD; it tends to ‘run in families'. However, the fact that medical experts do not have a clear explanation for ADHD doesn't mean that it does not exist - we simply have to wait for some of the answers.

Three types of ADHD have been established according to which symptoms are strongest in the individual. These types are described below:

• Predominantly Inattentive Type: It is hard for the individual to organise or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations. The person is easily distracted or forgets details of daily routines.
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: The person fidgets and talks a lot. It is hard to sit still for long (e.g. for a meal or while doing homework). Smaller children may run, jump or climb constantly. The individual feels restless and has trouble with impulsivity. Someone who is impulsive may interrupt others a lot, grab things from people, or speak at inappropriate times. It is hard for the person to wait their turn or listen to directions. A person with impulsiveness may have more accidents and injuries than others.
• Combined Type: Symptoms of the above two types are equally predominant in the person.

This point is very important: The behaviour pattern must be interfering with the person's ability to get on with his/her life, to learn or to fit in with his or her world. If the behaviour of the child or young person is only a problem for the parents of the person, but the child or young person is managing well at school/college, then it is usually not ADHD. (Adapted from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, DSM-IV).

Be prepared to make arrangements appropriate for examinations. These may include the use of an amanuensis, a computer, extra time, rest breaks, or a separate room. Also, be aware that necessary arrangements need to be made with the relevant validating body at some point prior to any examinations. If you need to apply for these concessions for an exam, please contact us.