The lives of thousands of children across Tayside are affected on a daily basis by a condition that can have a devastating effect on families.
Now a local support group is hoping to draw attention to ADHD — Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder — in a bit to make the lives of those families so much easier.
The Dundee and Angus ADHD Support Group said there are many youngsters, as well as their families, battling with ADHD in the region.
One of them is Robert McDade from Downfield, whose family understands the difficulties only too well.
The 11-year-old’s mum Shona Davie explained that Robert had suffered from the condition since birth.
However, she said it wasn’t diagnosed until he was eight.
Shona, 32, said: “As a baby Robert used to cry all the time and would only sleep for about two hours every night.
“We just didn’t know what was wrong with him but it was exhausting for him and us. I was walking around like a zombie with no idea what was wrong with my little boy. It was a living nightmare at the time.”
Shona said that Robert’s behaviour got worse as time went by.
She added: “He could be very difficult and even violent at times and people would regularly come and tell me what a naughty boy he was.
“People would look at us when we were out and they would even tell me I was a bad mother who couldn’t control my child. It was a terrible time.”
Shona praised the ADHD group, adding: “Robert can be himself and doesn’t get judged.
“The ladies at the group are welcoming and do all they can to help with anything. I also feel the group has helped my family understand and deal with Robert better when he kicks off.
“Robert loves the group, loves the ladies and the workers in the group.”
Alison Clink, of the group, described ADHD as a complex disorder, adding: “It’s a misunderstood condition which can have far-reaching problems for families.”
In a bid to highlight the difficulties encountered by families, the group recently held its annual conference in Dundee which was attended by a group of experts.
Alison said: “We gathered a lot of information and understanding thanks to these experts.”