Book excerpt: Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder a ‘made-up’ term? Is it simply an excuse for bad behaviour? How do children with ADHD really experience school? This practical teacher’s guide dispels all the myths and gets down to the facts about ADHD. It explores the nitty-gritty of what you need to know in order to help the children in your class to cope with this complex condition. This fully revised second edition gives an overview of the disorder based on the broad internationally recognised approach to ADHD, which takes account of its biological as well as environmental elements. It includes: real-life classroom scenarios and case studies of specific children; practical management strategies for both teachers and parents; an exploration of prevailing attitudes to ADHD; advice on initial diagnosis and ongoing assessment. Packed full of no-nonsense advice and tips, this book will help you adopt the educational strategies and behaviour management approaches that are best suited to each individual child. It also explores the use of alternative treatments, such as psychological and psychiatric strategies, medication, counselling, coaching and changes to diet. Children who have ADHD can often experience school failure, expulsion and emotional, behavioural and social problems. By demystifying the disorder and its coexisting conditions, this book will help you to understand and manage ADHD, enabling you to offer the children you teach a more positive future.