Large differences exist in services for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) throughout the State, it emerged at a conference in Sligo on Saturday.
The principal of a primary school in Limerick told how a hugely successful special ADHD class was established in her school as a result of a High Court action by a parent. It is the only such unit in the State.
But a principal from Sligo said one of her pupils was diagnosed two years ago but was not getting regular treatment. "Educationally, he is slipping back because he can't concentrate," she said.
The "Living with ADHD" conference, organised by a north west support group, heard that the core symptoms were inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Such children often clash with authority figures and in some cases can end up in jail as young adults.
A consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist with the North Western Health Board, Dr Philip Tyndall, said it was believed that some 5 per cent of children suffer from ADHD though few of these are diagnosed. He said a child would stand out in a classroom as "fidgeting, squirming, restless and very easily distractable".
The disorder would not have a sudden onset, although recognising and treating it is complicated by the fact that it can co-exist along with other disorders in up to 60 per cent of cases, he said. Early diagnosis and treatment is important.
Many parents and teachers at the conference complained about the difficulty in getting children diagnosed and the lack of support services.
Dr Tyndall accepted that it was not ideal that children referred by their GPs to his Child and Adolescent Mental Health team have to wait nine months to be seen. He estimated that 20 per cent of the children he sees have ADHD.
"Our ability to do all that we would like to do is curtailed. Ideally in every ADHD case diagnosed we would like to do a school visit," Dr Tyndall said.
Dr Tyndall said that while medication had proved effective and is chosen by most parents, there was a need for a combined approach with support given to parents and schools. Large teacher/pupil ratios are a problem.
Ms Marjorie O'Connor, the principal of Presentation Primary School, Roxboro Rd, Limerick, said there were seven pupils in a special ADHD class in her school.
The only reason it was set up was because a parent, Ms Marian Bridgeman, had taken the State to the High Court. Ms O'Connor said she hoped similar units would be established in other areas. It was a model class, she said.