Teachers' and counsellors' knowledge and experience related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

This study was designed to assess teachers' and counsellors' knowledge and experiences related to ADHD and the use of stimulant medication. The sample population was comprised of elementary, middle school, and high school teachers and counsellors from two school districts in southwestern Canada. A descriptive, cross-sectional design using a self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information. Results revealed that the teachers and counsellors responding to the questionnaire have limited knowledge about ADHD and the use of stimulant medication, although a large majority of them have experience with students with ADHD and are involved in the diagnosing and assessment process of ADHD. These results suggest that there is a need for in-service training regarding the diagnosis and characteristics of ADHD, different intervention strategies, and assessment of the effectiveness of these strategies. Teachers and counsellors need to become more familiar with empirical research and to base their practice on it, rather than on popular opinion. Finally, further collaboration is needed between teachers and counsellors and allied professionals, such as physicians and psychologists.

Authors

• Wilde, Jaime
• University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education

• Attention-deficit disordered children -- Education -- Canada
• Attention-deficit disordered youth -- Education -- Canada
• Attention-deficit disorder in adolescence -- Canada
• Attention-deficity hyperactivity disorder -- Canada
• Dissertations, Academic

Identifier

hdl:10133/363

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:opus.uleth.ca:10133/363