Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and dyspraxia form a spectrum of over-lapping disorders. The first and last of these are relatively well recognised in children. What is less well known is that these conditions, if not treated, persist into adulthood. They are present in about 10% of the population, and are more easily recognised in males. The effects on the individual and on society are hard to exaggerate.
Those affected are likely to fail educationally, have low self-esteem, be more prone to anxiety, depression, addiction and gambling problems, are at increased risk of accidents and suicide and are far more likely to end up in prison. It is known from studies that 60%-80% of males in young offenders' institutions/prisons have one or more of these conditions. Yet the education departments in both countries have failed to tackle the problem. For example, a screening procedure at about age seven would be appropriate. The NHS has also failed to grasp the importance of diagnosing and treating these conditions, especially in adults. There are two treatment options: medication or brain exercises. In the former, Ritalin or similar drugs are successful in some 90% of cases.
Unfortunately, there is no NHS specialist centre in Scotland which recognises the need to help adults, despite the fact that Ritalin is commonly prescribed for children. The major drawbacks with using medication are potential side-effects, cost and the frequent need to continue treatment long-term. The only alternative has been pioneered by Wynford Dore, whose daughter suffers from the condition and attemped to take her own life. He has set up assessment centres (Dore Achievement Centres) in the UK and abroad for children and adults. If the condition is confirmed, a programme of exercises is commenced lasting one year (10 minutes twice daily) and costing £2000. If completed, this treatment is 100% successful, and there is no need for medication.
The potential benefits to the individual, and to society, of treating these conditions is incontrovertible. So why is so little being done? If the education, health, and prison services took on the necessary work and expense of screening and treatment, the long-term cost savings would be substantial. Instead of building more prisons, for example, we could reduce the crime rate and close prisons. If the NHS set up clinics to diagnose and treat adults with such learning difficulties, there would be fewer people needing treatment for anxiety, depression, addiction, self-harm, accidents and so on.
This will require joined-up thinking, vision, common sense and, of course, funding. Are there any politicians out there willing to take up the challenge and make it happen?
Michael Adamson, 30 Hamilton Park Avenue, Glasgow.
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