Academic functioning
Academic underachievement is a common feature of children
withADHD and is evident frompre-school (DuPaul et al. 2001)
through to adolescence (Frazier et al. 2007). ADHD is associated
with poorer grades and lower scores on standardized tests
of academic ability (Barry et al. 2002; Loe & Feldman 2007). It
has been suggested that symptoms of inattention and EF deficits
may play a larger role in academic functioning deficits compared
with symptoms of hyperactivity or comorbid disruptive
behaviour (Daley & Birchwood 2010). Children with ADHD
are more likely to require specialist academic support, repeat
a school year or leave school with little or no qualifications
(Barkley et al. 2006). The ability of interventions to target academic
functioning is therefore paramount in order to ensure
the best long-term outcomes for children with ADHD.