NI-ADD Support Centre was established in 1997 and the objectives of the group are as follows:
- To actively support children, young people, adults and their carers affected by AD/HD and its associated conditions/hidden disabilities.
- To work together in partnership to educate and increase awareness of the condition. Promote positive and timely interventions for those with this disabling disorder.
- To create a better understanding of the developmental difficulties children and young people encounter due to AD/HD.
- To enable others to access appropriate services from statutory agencies and bodies.
- To provide information, and share it through an information network with individuals, families and professionals.
- To promote greater social inclusion for children and young people who are significantly disadvantaged and stigmatised by the condition
- To identify and promote ways of providing specific services for areas of unfulfilled need (not already provided by the statutory sector).
- To work on a cross community and non-discriminatory basis within all sectors of society whilst engaging in all our tasks.
- To improve upon the inconsistent and fragmented process of assessment which currently exists for children and also adults.
What we provide
- AD/HD focused behaviour management courses.
- Practical support to children and young people by providing AD/HD discussion groups.
- Individual counseling for children, young people and adults.
- Monthly parent support meetings.
- Information service.
- Telephoned help/advice line
- Book and video library.
- Research projects.
- Conferences to highlight awareness.
What is ADHD?
AD/HD is a real condition that affects around 5% of school aged children. The peak time for the majority of parents to ask for help is after the child starts school.
AD/HD is a neurobiological/genetic disorder in which the neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers of the brain, do not work properly.
AD/HD is far more common in boys, with more girls going undiagnosed than boys. Ratio of 4 boys:1 girl.
AD/HD is marked by behaviours that are chronic, lasting for at least six months, with onset before the age of seven. The cluster of behaviours include inattention, impulsivity, overactivity, insatiability, disorganisation and social clumsiness.
AD/HD rarely occurs alone. Several associated conditions (such as learning difficulties, oppositional behaviour, conduct disorder, speech and language problems, Tourette’s Syndrome, depression and anxiety) may co-exist with AD/HD and must be treated for the best outcome. Treating AD/HD in isolation is unlikely to be successful.
AD/HD studies have shown that when researchers look at children from different countries and race the incidence of AD/HD is found to be equally common.
AD/HD comes in many varying degrees. Some may be mild, others moderate or severe. Educational and treatment plans must be individualised to address the unique strengths and problems of each child.
AD/HD does not magically go away in adolescence. Effective treatment requires a multi-modal approach which includes the following components:
- Early diagnosis and treatment
- Education about the disorder
- Training in the use of behaviour management
- Medication when indicated
- Support for families
AD/HD is a disorder that, without proper identification and treatment, can have serious and long lasting consequences and/or complications for an individual.
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