Unisa to develop early detection and intervention model to address ADHD in the classroom

Unisa is developing a local version of the international Programme for Early Detection and Intervention for ADHD (PEDIA) to address behavioural difficulties linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the classroom. According to Dr Ramodungoane Tabane from Unisa’s Psychology of Education Department, behavioural difficulties linked to ADHD are a significant barrier to effective teaching and learning in South Africa and are known to create huge disruptions in the classroom.

 Many learners in South Africa are not academically performing to their optimal ability, and in worst cases they drop out due the perception that they are problem children, as they indicate symptoms of ADHD.

“These children talk a lot, have energy, answer before questions are completed and do not sit still, among other things,” explains Dr Tabane. “As a result, they are labelled as outcasts. Early detection and identification can bring some relief to learning environment for teachers, parents and learners.”

Based on the United Kingdom research project led by Professor Edmund-Sonuga Barke and his team at the Developmental Brain-Behaviour Laboratory, University of Southampton, Tabane says the PEDIA study aims to produce an evidence-based early detection and intervention model which can be implemented for pre-schoolers with high levels of ADHD symptoms. The programme aims to target difficult-to-treat children and hard-to-reach families, and tailor interventions to their clinical needs. 

 PEDIA, says Tabane, will first establish what is known on the prevalence of ADHD in South Africa and will then identify the most appropriate way to design PEDIA for this context.“PEDIA is currently being implemented in other countries like Denmark, Hong Kong, Japan and Brazil. The information from these countries in implementing PEDIA forms a good source for working across and enhancing the South African version, thus the South African Programme for Early Detection and Intervention for ADHD (SA-PEDIA) will become part of a global initiative,” he says.

Tabane is working with a renowned researcher in the field on ADHD, Professor Edmund-Sonuga Barke. “Our collaboration has also introduced Unisa to other players in the research field and we are now talking of starting a research interest group in South Africa on ADHD. I have been meeting with interested individuals in South Africa and two professionals are intending to enrol for their PhD with Unisa under the project.”

This collaboration is part of Unisa’s VisionKeepers strategy which aims to open up opportunities for researchers to collaborate and develop African knowledge-based solutions. 

“Researchers who would have struggled to find financial assistance to meet with the leaders in their fields can now contribute to African knowledge studies on mental health,” Tabane concludes.

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