ADHD supports ‘not good enough’

SUPPORT services for parents and families coping with ADHD are “nowhere near” where they should be, according to a leading child psychologist.

Professor Fiona McNicholas, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist with the Lucena Clinic, said services were not adequate and varied around the country. She said it was imperative children were diagnosed early as 75% of mental health problems start when they are 15 to 18.

Meanwhile the HSE confirmed that two pilot projects set up for children and adolescents with ADHD in 2008 and listed as initiative developments in the first annual report of child and adolescent mental health services were not carried into 2009 due to financial constraints.

Stephanie O’Mahony, chairperson of Irish National Council of ADHD, a voluntary group run by parents, maintains there is not enough Government funding given to support of the illness.

The support group has active branches throughout the country, mainly run by parents, which provide information, advice and emotional support to families. Ms O’Mahony said the biggest issue for the children was trying to get through school.

“Early intervention is the key but getting the diagnosis is difficult. They often face long waiting lists getting their child psychologically assessed, and parents often have to go privately and pay for treatment.”

Ms O’Mahony said there needs to be greater co-operation between schools and parents. She said while services are “coming on slowly”, there is little in the way of real services and support.

However, a HSE spokesperson said it recognised 30% of children presenting to services had some sort of behavioural problem and there were initiatives in place to help parents and schools.

* Details of ADHD support groups are available on www.incadds.ie