Ontario 3 - CADDAC

This question is being asked and answered in our recent policy paper, Inequitable Access to Education for Canadian Students with ADHD.

Also access our Media Release and a Summary of our key messages.

During the morning of October the 3rd, CBC's "The Current" hosted the call in show "Is the public school system working for kids with special needs. They asked for people to continue contacting them about this topic.

I'd like to encourage everyone to contact CBC and share your thoughts and the experiences of your children with ADHD in Canadian school systems. There was very little said about ADHD during the 90 minute show.

You can listen to the full episode here, http://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-october-2-2017-a-national-call-in-special-1.4317150

You can share your thoughts here, http://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/contact via e-mail, Facebook or twitter.

We need to get our voices out there!

A new Huffington Post article is talking about changes coming to the BC Special Education Guidelines that will allow students with ADHD, who present learning needs, to be identified under the learning disability (LD) category. This may not seem like a huge change, but parents of children with ADHD in BC and CADDAC have long been advocating for this change. In fact, CADDAC has been advocating for this change to occur in Ontario since our inception in 2005.

What does this change mean and why did it come about?

In the past system, students with ADHD in BC, who were struggling at school, were denied recognition as exception students (learners) because ADHD was not listed under a category. This recognition allows students access to special education resources and an Individual Education Plan (IEP). By placing ADHD under the LD category the Ministry of Education in BC has acknowledged recent changes in the DSM 5 (the document that defines mental health and neurological disorders) which now categorizes ADHD as a neurodevelopmental disorder, rather than a behaviour disorder. Learning disabilities have long been recognized as neurodevelopmental disorders. Although ADHD is not an actual learning disability it can significantly impair learning even without an LD being present.

Unfortunately, CADDAC continues to receive countless calls from parents in Ontario frustrated that their children are still being barred from being recognized as exceptional learners, many also being denied an IEP. Although a 2011 Ontario Ministry Memorandum states that a student with ADHD presenting learning needs should not be barred from being recognized as an exceptional learner, this is still routinely occurring.

You see, school boards are entitled to set the bar of learning impairment (how impaired a student must be to be recognized as an exceptional learner) wherever they like. There is no requirement for school boards to document this, so decisions are often quite arbitrary and difficult for parents to challenge. This is resulting in little consistency across boards or even within the same school board. Even though the Ministry’s 2011 memorandum exists, we continue to receive calls from parents who are told that their board does not recognize students with ADHD, period. The latest parent I spoke with, who also happened to be a teacher, just told me that their principal was totally unaware of the memorandum and when it was brought to their attention was sure that it must be out dated.

So here is my “ask” of you. If your child with ADHD is struggling at school and continues to be denied an IEP or recognition as an exceptional student in the Ontario School System and you would like to share your story with us to further advocacy efforts in Ontario, please contact heidi.bernhardt@caddac.ca

Access the article HERE

A recent study by the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences found almost 12 per cent of children and youth with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, were prescribed antipsychotics like Risperdal, Zyprexa and Seroquel. Since the study found that 5% of Ontario children have ADHD, this means that .06% of children may be receiving antipsychotic medications. The study went on to report that 20% of children with ADHD were also receiving antidepressants for depression or anxiety which the lead researcher Dr. Paul Kurdyak, head of the mental health and addictions program at ICES, did not find surprising since these disorders frequently coexist with ADHD. However, the researchers did find it surprising, that children with ADHD would be receiving antipsychotic medications when these medications have not been shown to treat ADHD.

Unfortunately the article implies that these medications are being used to treat simple ADHD, while at the same time conceding that these medications have a sedating effect and assist with disruptive behaviour. Unfortunately what the researchers did not mention is that some children with a more severe presentation of ADHD can also have extreme forms of emotional dysregulation, in some cases so severe that they are unable to attend school or be involved in normal family life without experiencing episodes of emotional “meltdown” and sometimes aggression. This would be the common profile of the majority of children who are receiving these medications. Normal levels of ADHD disruptive behaviour would not commonly warrant a prescription of antipsychotic medication.

In addition, it makes perfect sense that more people who see a psychiatrist have these medications prescribed. It is child and adolescent psychiatrists who generally see these more severe cases. General practitioners and paediatricians refer these more difficult cases to child and adolescent psychiatrists, when they have been unable to successfully treat the child themselves. Of course, better education for front line physicians on how to assess, diagnosis and treat ADHD appropriately may be helpful as well. We know that the sooner we diagnose and treat ADHD the better chance we have of reducing co-existing disorders and the long term consequences of ADHD.

No one would argue that if there is a choice antipsychotic medication should never be given to children and that psychotherapy should always be the first choice of treatment. Unfortunately it is also true that affordable family, child and youth mental health therapy is very difficult to access across this country resulting in a two tier mental health system. However, after speaking with many of these families and the physicians who treat these children it is clear that even when parents do everything right and therapy is implemented, for some children and youth it is still not enough.

Also, no one would disagree that many of these medications have significant side effects and should not be a first line treatment. However, at this time there are no medications that have been approved to specifically treat these symptoms in children and youth so physicians are forced to use these medications off label. Obviously more research is required.

One new medication, Intuniv, has been approved by Health Canada for treating children and youth with ADHD and has been found to be very helpful for many children with emotional dysregulation and aggression issues. This medication is not an antipsychotic medication and can be prescribed along with ADHD stimulant medication or on its own for those who have difficulty tolerating stimulant medication, or have not found stimulant medication to be effective. While Intuniv does have some mild side effects, as do all medications, they seem to be far fewer than those of antipsychotic medications.

For this reason CADDAC is currently asking the Ontario Public Drug Program to include this medication on their list of approved medications making it accessible to families receiving their medication through this program. Advocacy on this issue in other provinces is also on the agenda. As this study indicates not many children will require this medication, and while it will not work for all children with these symptoms, I have spoken to many families who have indicated that it has changed their child’s life and their family’s quality of life.

Of course, better access to newer more easily tolerated once-a-day ADHD medications being covered on provincial drug programs would be helpful and may actually help to decrease prescribing of antipsychotic medication. Coverage across Canada is sporadic leaving vulnerable families unable to access a wide variety of ADHD medications. The more choices we have in ADHD medication the better chance we have of being able to achieve the best treatment options for each child and adolescents with mental health disorders. Unfortunately mental health medications are definitely not a one-size fits all scenario.

My major concern about articles on this particular study such as this CBC article, and often articles on other ADHD topics, is that writing about these very complex issues superficially and with an aim to sensationalize only increases misunderstanding about childhood mental health and the way we treat it. They also result in increased stigma, confusion and fear for parents and care givers trying their best to make informed decisions on treatment for their children.

Hello all!
We are excited to announce our upcoming conference this September 26th and 27th!

In addition to a weekend of presentations and workshops, comedian Rick Green will be be hosting the CADDAC Fundraiser: A Night of Comedy and Inspiration on the evening of September 26th!

Check out our website for more information and tickets!

On Tuesday May 12, a CADDAC delegation had a great day at Queen’s Park. Building off the momentum of Mental Health Awareness Week (May 4-10), CADDAC Executive Director Heidi Bernhardt, Dr. John Tucker and Dr. Doron Almagor spoke with representatives from various ministries to raise awareness about ADHD and advocating for increased support and treatment options for those in impacted by this disorder.

In these discussions, CADDAC was able to advocate and raise awareness with numerous Ministry officials, including those from Health and Long-Term Care, Children and Youth Services, Education, Community and Social Services, and the Office of the Attorney-General.

As ADHD is one of those illness that continues to be lost in a haze of social stigmas and lack of understanding, these efforts are particularly important.

It is part of CADDAC’s mandate to take a leadership role in the advocacy of ADHD in all areas that affect people with ADHD, including education, health, support, employment, regulatory bodies and resources. These efforts were part of CADDAC’s efforts to fulfill this mandate, as we continue to strive to network with government, professional organizations, health care providers, educators and all other stakeholders to improve the lives of people with ADHD.

It’s time ADHD is seen for what it really is: a complex, multifaceted, often life-long mental health disorder that significantly impacts people’s lives, the lives of those closest to them, and society as a whole.

CADDAC is thankful to all the open dialogue of the day and appreciates the opportunity to work with the Government of Ontario moving forward.

Mental Health Awareness Week kicked off last Monday and ran through the week until Sunday, May 10^th.

This important initiative through the Canadian Mental Health Association encourages individuals to learn, talk about, reflect on, and engage others on issues related to mental health and mental illness.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is one of those illness that continues to be lost in a haze of social stigmas and lack of understanding.

Too often we hear a friend, relative, or co-worker joke about “having ADHD,” lending support to the argument that ADHD is simply the new fad diagnosis used to explain away the days where we find it difficult to concentrate. But for over a million Canadians who are directly affected by this illness, ADHD is no laughing matter.

Hence, here are some important things you need to know about ADHD:

ADHD, a medical neurobiological disorder, is a serious and wide-spread mental health issue impacting more than one million Canadians. As the most common childhood mental health condition worldwide, ADHD impacts one to two children in every Ontario classroom, and later on, four out of every 100 employees in the province.

ADHD increases the risk of suicidal ideation and behaviours, and commonly occurs alongside other mental health illnesses like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Physicians treating patients with ADHD are aware that monitoring for these symptoms is critical to ensuring the safety of ADHD patients, and watch closely during screening and assessment processes.

Health Canada recently announced that clearer warnings about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours will be included in the prescribing information for ADHD medications, while also underscoring that there is no proof that ADHD medications cause these symptoms, and that the benefits of taking ADHD medications continue to outweigh potential risks. This announcement does, however highlight the importance for those with ADHD to be aware and continue to have proper monitoring by their physicians.

A shocking 90 per cent of adults with ADHD remain untreated and those who suffer from the illness are more likely to be impacted by injury and motor vehicle accidents, substance abuse, or jail time. In children, ADHD significantly increases the risk of high school dropout.

Taking into account the direct health, education, and justice-related costs, the cost of illness of ADHD for Canadians is over $7 billion, exceeding the cost of major depressive disorders.

In most cases ADHD is not preventable, but when managed properly, those with ADHD can lead happy, successful, and fulfilling lives.

Effective management of ADHD requires multi-modal treatment, the first being patient, parent, and teacher education and awareness. Treatment options to ensure success with ADHD patients include a variety of psychosocial treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy, coaching, behaviour strategies, specialized tutoring, ADHD medication, regular follow-up visits with a trained medical practitioner, and special educational accommodations.

The more seriously we take ADHD the more likely it is we can help children have better outcomes and grow up to reach their full potential. It’s time to stop kidding around and start taking this critical mental health issue more seriously.

If you’re curious to find out more information on ADHD’s socioeconomic impacts, you can read CADDAC’s Policy Paper, “Paying Attention to the Cost of ADHD: The Price Paid by Canadian Families, Governments and Society” here.

Mental Health Awareness Week kicks off today, and in honour of raising awareness, we will be sharing some important facts about ADHD throughout the week.

Many people don’t realize that ADHD is actually a serious mental health condition. ADHD is a complex, multi-faceted, often life-long medical neurobiological disorder that impacts the nervous system. ADHD affects more than one million Canadians, and is the most common childhood mental health condition worldwide.

The ADHD Prep (Parent Readiness Education Program) is fast approaching!

With only a few spots left his weekend, Saturday April 25 from 9AM – 4PM and Sunday April 26 9AM – 4PM, secure your spot and Click here to Register for ADHD PREP!

ADHD PREP is a comprehensive 12-hour program geared to parents of newly diagnosed children and adolescents with ADHD, and to parents wishing to upgrade their knowledge on the more complex aspects of ADHD including ADHD and learning, executive functioning and self and mood regulation.

Treatment options, parenting strategies and advocacy skills will also be covered. The program will occur over a weekend allowing parents from outside the local area to drive in for the weekend. Pricing includes workshop materials and light refreshments each morning and afternoon.

Visit the ADHD Prep Outline for an overview of the course content.

Click here to Register for ADHD PREP!

CADDAC presents ADHD PREP, a 2-day program on Saturday April 25 from 9AM - 4PM and Sunday April 26 9AM - 4PM

Visit the ADHD Prep Outline for an overview of the course content.

This free public talk will be hosted on March 24th, 2015 - that's one week from today! - and will explore the question: Can you lead a full life with Parkinson's, epilepsy, or attention deficit disorder?

Hear from three people who are doing just that:

Whitney Goulstone — who had a new kind of surgery to halt her epilepsy.

Andy Barrie — who underwent deep brain stimulation to ease his Parkinson's

Rick Green — who uses his ADD as an ally and empowers others to do the same.

Join these inspiring speakers for the Ontario Brain Institute's first public talk on the lived experiences of people with brain disorders.

MC and interviewer: André Picard, Health Reporter, Globe and Mail

Register online at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-public-talk-three-brains-three-lives-three-stories-tickets-15816527660.