Early detection and intervention vital for AD/HD sufferers - Bell
Ulster Unionist Spokesperson for Disabilities, Billy Bell, has said that with health authorities reviewing guidelines relating to Attention Deficit & Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), it is vitally important that interest groups engage in a debate to assist policy making.
The Lagan Valley MLA is set to host a major seminar on the issue next week involving the Northern Ireland Attention Deficit Disorder (NI-ADD) and Lisburn’s KJET Programme. The seminar will take place between 10am and 12pm in the Long Gallery, Parliamentary Buildings, Stormont, on Tuesday June 27.
In a statement, the Lagan Valley MLA said: “Around half of patients in child psychiatry have this condition. Early detection and intervention is vitally important. And promoting a clear understanding and conducting a constructive debate within the public arena is what this seminar is designed to do.”
He added: “Children with AD/HD require a widely varying package of care depending on the circumstances of their diagnosis. While there is the question of awareness, early detection and education – there’s also the question of funding.
“The Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability (Northern Ireland) is currently examining policy and services for those with AD/HD. And I trust that answers to these questions will emerge from that review.
“The National Institute for Clinical Excellence is also developing guidelines on the identification and treatment of AD/HD and this is due to be published in 2008.
“Issues that will be addressed in the near future will have a tremendous impact on the treatment of this condition. Key to this is the input of charitable and community-based organizations.”
He added: “Government can direct policy but the role of community-based support schemes is vital. For example, the KJET Programme was created after Lisburn police recognised that a number of children they were dealing with had the condition.
“The KJET scheme is a partnership between the North Lisburn Community Policing Team, Lisburn YMCA, LNCA (Lisburn North Community Association) and NI-ADD (Northern Ireland Attention Deficit Disorder) Support Centre.
“It is an example of the kind of community based partnership I would like to see replicated in other areas. Promoting partnership between NGOs and social partners is absolutely essential if we are to raise awareness and understanding of issues relating AD/HD.”
Concluding, he said: “I trust that next week’s seminar and the work of the groups involved – NI-ADD and KJET – will continue to assist not only in raising public awareness, but also in shaping the formulation of policy.”