Description
According to WHO 7% children suffer from ADHD. However, the awareness on this subject in Poland is insufficient. The project aims to initiate a dialogue between various communities dealing with children and youth with ADHD and to counteract their exclusion, which is a common phenomenon. In response to community needs, comprehensive efforts centered around ADHD children and youth (20 persons), their parents (20 persons), probation officers, courts, the police, and family assistants (48 persons) have been outlined, focused on education, training, intervention, law, and information. Outcomes will consists in knowledge and competence building, and in development of networks involving local institutions. A guide for parents and teachers will be published. The project has a nationwide dimension, as it includes activities strengthening the existing coalitions and a convention to be organized at the national level. As an outcome of these efforts, systemic changes concerning ADHD will be put forward in the area of education, health and social policy. In conjunction with recommendations of the youth and local leaders, they will help trigger the legislation process.
Summary of project results
"Twenty percent of children and young people suffer from hyperexcitability, 7% of whom of ADHD (WHO data). Perceived as immature, undisciplined, and rowdy, they are lonely and isolated in peer groups. If not properly guided by teachers and/or families, many are prone to risky behaviour, and may end up in trouble with the law. The project purpose was to prevent the exclusion of persons with ADHD by raising related social awareness, stimulating individuals and institutions to take action to support families with ADHD children, and helping affected families, children, and young people directly. Competencies in handling ADHD children were improved in groups of parents and guardians (19 persons), teachers (22), and public servants (27). Actions of the Nationwide Agreement of Organisations and Initiatives to Support Persons with ADHD (14 entities) were intensified. Legislative change recommendations were drafted. Twenty extra activity participants began doing better at school. Educational sessions were held: 22 primary and junior high teachers (10 meetings); 27 public servants (10 probation officers, 9 family assistants, 8 police officers; 10 meetings); 26 parents (19 meetings). Twenty pupils aged 7-20 attended therapy sessions (22 meetings, including 3 theatrical activities). An expert hotline was set up (386 calls, 121 persons referred for consultations). Four Nationwide Agreement of Organisations and Initiatives to Support Persons with ADHD conventions were held, as well as a project summary congress (167 participants) to highlight expert-recommended methods of working with young people with ADHD and to confirm the position on legislation. A manual for parents and teachers (300 copies) and congress follow-up brochure (100 copies) were published. Project beneficiaries included 452 (exact numbers as listed above) persons from Szczecin and the local area handling hyperexcitability on a daily basis, and the nationwide community concerned with the issue."
Summary of bilateral results