Representatives from GDE and schools across Gauteng attended the seminar where the programme not only offered a variety of information the topic, but guest speakers also captivated the audience with video presentations and strategies that will enable educators to assist learners that have been professionally diagnosed.

The purpose of the seminar was to shed more light on the condition which includes among others, attention difficulty, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

“Treatment can help, but the condition cannot be cured. There are also many misconceptions about ADHD which can cause unnecessary anxiety in learners that struggle to overcome the unwanted behaviour associated witht it,” Dr Hester Costa, who took to the stage first, told the audience.

In his speech psychologist Danie Lodewyk, emphasised that a vast majority of educators have had a learner with ADHD in their classrooms at some point. He stated that most or many have some knowledge of what ADHD and the associated conditions are and how they impact a learner’s ability to learn and excel.

Many educators indicated that they at the best of times, struggle with the behavioural and motivational problems that learners with ADHD present. Whereas some educators may not always fully understand the differences in learning, some techniques and strategies were discussed at the seminar to offer a better understanding of ADHD and its associated conditions.

Various other speakers elaborated on the topic and in the end, it was clear that there was a common goal – to provide the necessary training and support to educators to face the challenges of an ADHD diagnosed learner. Guests were treated to refreshments before the seminar was adjourned.

If you would like to find out more about ADHD, phone the national office on 011 888 7655 or visit their website at www.ADHASA.co.za