PANJIM: Charitable Trust SETHU, working for children in and outside Goa, has claimed that 160 children were treated for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) during the year 2017-18. In a sample study comprising of 1151 children and families, the experts found that 14.2 percent children from across Goa were diagnosed with ADHD and the trend is increasing.
“The number of children with ADHD referred to Sethu has been steadily increasing. A pattern of ‘crisis intervention’ is often seen, where families seek help only when the child is in serious trouble. ADHD is a treatable condition that affects a child’s behaviour, learning, self-esteem and relationships. In April 2017, the Sethu team initiated a comprehensive programme using a strength based and family-centered approach to address the challenges of ADHD. This year we have treated 160 children (14.2 percent) with ADHD from across Goa,” the annual report released on Wednesday states. Out of the total, 1130 comprised of children and young people while 21 included families. The report further states that 701 cases were first time registrations and 450 were follow up cases.
The experts, in its survey also discovered that 305 children (27 percent) were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and 226 children (20 percent) were diagnosed with Special Learning Disability. Genetic Conditions and Intellectual Disability amounted to 4.8 percent and 3.5 percent of the total persons surveyed.
During this period from 2017-18, Sethu conducted a multitude of training programs for parents, including Asha and Arambh (for families of children with autism) and workshops on discipline, ADHD, childhood sexuality, adolescence and communication. “Caring for children with behaviour difficulties and developmental challenges is not easy. The families often come to us feeling desperate, hopeless and alone. Our first action is to look for strengths. Our first recommendation is usually to ask the parents to look after themselves and do something to ‘recharge the batteries’ every day,” it observed apprehending that children with disabilities are much more likely to be sexually abused.
“Myths like the ‘innocence’ and ‘immaturity’ of children with disabilities lead families to neglect the importance of sexuality education for this population,” it stated.
Sethu emphasises that self-help skills, socialisation and sexual development are closely interlinked and are essential for independence and safety. Sethu had conducted four workshops for parents on childhood sexuality, including two in the area of special needs during this year.
