Our staff at LJBC gathered together this week for the first time since March to hear from Professor Desiree Silva. Professor Silva is co-director for the ORIGINS Project and a Professor of Paediatrics at UWA and Joondalup Health Campus. Professor Silva (along with ADHD coach Michele Toner) has written an ADHD Go-to-Guide for parents and teachers, providing up to date knowledge in a simple, easy to read format.

Professor Silva spoke to our staff about ADHD, a framework and practical tips for how you can manage and advocate for a child in different settings, with or without medication. Professor Silva also summarised evidence to date for medication and alternative therapies, examined commonly held beliefs about ADHD and debunked some myths.

Our staff found the session extremely interesting and beneficial and we thank Professor Silva for kindly donating her time to share her expertise and advice with us.

- ADHD is a complex neurological condition that results in poor concentration and control of impulses.

- It can affect a child's learning and social skills and can have an impact on family functioning.

- It is estimated that one in 20 children in Australia have ADHD.

- It is more common in boys than in girls. 

- Some children have ADHD but without the hyperactivity. These children have trouble focussing and paying attention and can be forgetful and easily distracted. Sometimes the term 'inattentive ADHD' is used to describe this condition.

- The exact causes of ADHD are unknown, but it tends to run in families, so genes play some part.

- With understanding, care and, in some cases, medical treatment, a child with ADHD can live a normal life. 

(Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne)