concerns over ADHD diagnosis
Curtin University researchers have
established that the youngest
children in West Australian
classrooms are more likely than
their older classmates to receive
medication for Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
The results raise concerns that
age-related immaturity is being
misdiagnosed as a psychiatric
disorder.
“Among children aged 6-10, those conduct further research on the
born in June – the last month of a ADHD late birthdate effect in
Dr Martin Whitely, Curtin University recommended school-year intake – states that have greater flexibility
Adjunct Research Fellow and were about twice as likely to have for parents in deciding when their
lead researcher, said the team received ADHD medication than child starts school.
compared the proportions of WA those born the previous July – the children born in the early and late first month,” Dr Whitely said.
months of a recommended school-
The results, published in the
Medical Journal of Australia, are
year intake who received at least Delayed school entry is much less consistent with four large scale
one prescription for an ADHD common in WA than other states. Northern Hemisphere studies.
medication in 2013. The research team now want to
queensland providers receive $75 million to help with NDIS roll-out
Five Queensland service providers
development, implementation Assistant Minister for Social
will share in $75 million of funding and review. Services and Disability Jane
(LAC) and Early Childhood EACH and BushKids have been successful grant recipients and
announced as the successful recognised the importance their
ECEI partners in Ipswich and local expertise and experience
Bundaberg. UnitingCare would have in supporting people
Community will continue as the with disability in their community.
to deliver Local Area Coordination
Intervention (ECEI) services to
support the roll-out of the NDIS in
Queensland from 2017.
Prentice congratulated the
Carers Queensland Inc., Feros ECEI partner in Townsville and Care and Indigenous Wellbeing Charters Towers and will extend “These organisations have
Centre have been announced as as the ECEI partner in Mackay and invaluable community connections
the successful LAC partners in Toowoomba. ECEI services deliver and knowledge which is why they
Toowoomba, Ipswich, Mackay, outcomes for children and their have been selected to work closely
Townsville and Bundaberg. LAC families through best-practice and with the National Disability Insurance
services focus on participant family-centred approaches. Agency in delivering this world-
capacity building, including plan
linkonline.com.au
leading scheme,” she said.
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