Sir, - In his article on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (August 11th), Kevin O'Sullivan states the disorder "is caused by a genetic aberration".
The disorder, which manifests itself in behaviour, by biological definition must be a result of the combined action of an individual's genotype (the set of genetic "instructions") and formative environment. At best, it may be correctly stated that people with the "genetic aberration" are predisposed to ADHD.
This incorrect description is worryingly part of a modern trend towards reductionist explanations in biology brought on by the emphasis on genetic explanations of even the most complex behaviours. This new form of "biological determinism" may lead us along incorrect paths in our attempts to redefine the education system in Ireland.
The "nature vs nurture" debate is really a misnomer - a dichotomy we have created in trying to simplify a most complex interaction in the development of mind.
As a biology teacher I abhor this representation on two fronts: what it falsely says about biology and the impression it gives to parents about explanations for a child's behaviour.
If this "aberration" (itself a misnomer, as genotypes display naturally occurring variation - there is no norm) is like others in the natural world then children who possess it would probably display behaviours varying from boisterous and inattentive to focussed and diligent. Such is the nature of expressed behaviours. -Yours, etc.,
Brendan O'Donoghue,
Coolmine Community School, Dublin 15.