Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: A glance at the elementary school / Transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade: um olhar no ensino fundamental

Abstract

In the last years the Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) has increased in schools. This study investigates the number of students reported with the ADHD in 17 schools in Porto Alegre, a city in the south of Brazil. One hundred and thirty six 1st to 8th grade teachers were asked about their perceptions concerning this behavioral disorder. Two questionnaires filled in by the school direction and by the teachers, respectively, were used. The average of students with ADHD in the schools was 3% - one school reported 51% and the other 0.2%. Concerning teachers' perceptions it was found a discrepancy between cases identified as ADHD by the teachers and the cases reported by the school direction. It is necessary to offer more information to the schools on the ADHD since most of them do not provide subsidies for the teachers regarding this matter.

Keywords

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Elementary school
• Learning