Page 10 - Issue 112 May-June 2021

10 Genes point to ADHD Genetic underpinnings of ADHD can be reliably detected, according to new research. The genetic ‘load’ that an individual inherits influences their risk of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to new research from Birkbeck, University of London. This ‘load’, known as a polygenic score, consistently associates with the likelihood of developing ADHD. The researchers say the findings, published in April in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, are important because detecting ADHD early means individuals can then benefit from early interventions, such as tailored support before and during the school years. The polygenic score for ADHD may in future be one of the characteristics that is used in combination with other factors, such as family history, to identify individuals who are likely to develop ADHD. Professor Angelica Ronald, first author of the publication and Director of the Genes Environment Lifespan Laboratory at Birkbeck, said: “ADHD is a common condition that affects approximately one in twenty children and also many adults. It has been known for some time that the causes of ADHD are partly genetic and inherited. The condition is characterised by symptoms of hyperactivity, inattentiveness and impulsivity. It can severely affect individuals and their families in a variety of ways including relationships, schooling and behaviour. There is an urgency to develop accurate biological and causal models of ADHD in order to devise effective early intervention and treatment options. Autism assessment – queue- jumping in Northern Ireland According to a report in the Irish Times, waiting lists for children with suspected autism are at a record high in Northern Ireland’s NHS clinics as they catch up after closing last year. The backlog has doubled, and almost five thousand children are waiting for assessments. Delays of more than two years are being experienced in Belfast, with many parents opting to pay up to £1,400 for private autism assessments. All of Northern Ireland’s health trusts now accept private referrals, which has fuelled concern about a two-tier health system pushing disadvantaged children further down the waiting list. During the first lockdown last March, face-to-face clinics were stood down, with Zoom and telephone calls instead made to parents and carers for children’s developmental histories. “Adapted diagnostic clinics” were piloted over the summer and autumn of 2020 – including the use of two-way mirrors and assessments in family gardens and outdoor spaces – there was a dramatic drop in diagnoses, with just 134 between March and June last year compared with 681 for the same period in 2019. “In our analysis it was found that the polygenic score for ADHD (the score that reflects the number of genetic markers inherited that increases the chances of developing ADHD) is specific to ADHD and on average, high scorers will develop ADHD more often than low or medium scorers. Therefore, in the future, it may be possible for doctors to use the polygenic score for ADHD as well as a variety of characteristics to help predict who will develop ADHD. The polygenic score for ADHD is not 100% predictive because we do not yet know of all the genes involved, and there are other non-genetic factors to take into consideration too.” The study involved a systematic review of the latest research on the ADHD polygenic score. It is a fast-growing field of research, with over 40 high-quality studies included in the review, all published in the last three years. The findings are consistent across ages, countries and samples, suggesting the ADHD polygenic score could be a reliable indicator. Summer schools: government must heed concerns of both teachers and parents Catch-up classes shouldn’t be punitive experiences for pupils and teachers – balance must be struck between academic achievement and emotional wellbeing Following government announcements on summer schools, evidence has emerged that both teachers and parents are sceptical of the current plans for catch-up learning. For summer schools to be a success, they must focus closely on the emotional wellbeing of pupils, without placing too much pressure on already overworked teachers. This is according to after-school tuition provider Learning Hive. News deadline for next issue: 15/5/2021. Email editor@senmagazine.co.uk SEN112 senmagazine.co.uk SEN news