Seeking multiple perspectives : a qualitative investigation of ADHD in Ireland

The overall aim of this research was to develop an understanding of the experiences of children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) in Ireland. Fifteen 7-12 year old boys with a diagnosis of AD/HD were the primary participants in this research. Eighteen of their parents/guardians and seventeen of their teachers also took part. Participants from each group took part in semi-structured interviews. Findings suggest that the experience of AD/HD had a significant impact on the lives of those affected by it. Parents and teachers described the difficulties in managing the needs of the child with AD/HD alongside the needs of the whole family and the other children in the class respectively. Children reported various challenges at home and at school, with the majority of children in this study reporting a particular dislike of school. All three groups of participants report limited understanding of the condition and commented on the stigma associated with AD/HD. Finally despite the challenges and demands of the AD/HD experience in Ireland each group of participants reported positive experiences and had an optimistic viewpoint. Children in particular described overly positive social experiences which are at odds with parent and teacher reports. It is possible that this reflects a positive illusory bias.