ADHD linked to social and economic disadvantage

A study by the University of Exeter Medical School discovered that a greater percentage of children with ADHD came from families below the poverty line than the UK population as a whole. The study found the odds of parents in social housing having a child with ADHD were roughly three times greater than for those who owned their own homes.The team also found that the odds of younger mothers having a child with ADHD were significantly higher than for other mothers. Mothers with no qualifications were more than twice as likely to have a child with ADHD than those with degrees, and lone parents were more likely to have a child with ADHD diagnosis than households with two live-in parents. 

Dr Ginny Russell, who led the study, said: "There is a genetic element to ADHD, but this study provides strong evidence that ADHD is also associated with a disadvantaged social and economic background.

"Some people believe that ADHD in children causes disadvantage to the economic situation of their family, but we found no evidence to support that theory. It's important to discover more about the causes of this disorder so that we can look towards prevention, and so that we can target treatment and support effectively."

Family poverty linked to children with attention disorder The Independent 26th November 2013

Disabled children's parents pay average surcharge of £5 an hour

After spending hundreds of pounds on childcare over the summer holidays, millions of working parents cannot wait for school to restart this week. But new research shows that the parents of disabled children have been particularly hard hit, having to pay up to £1,200 extra for childcare over the summer. Such parents effectively pay an average surcharge of £5 an hour for their childcare, according to the report by the charity Working Families.
Summer of disability woes: The Independent 1st September 2013