Challenging behaviour or untreated ADHD?

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the possible basis of challenging behaviour (CB) can lie in a treatable neurodevelopmental disorder. Design/methodology/approach Two case studies were used to illustrate the clinical characteristics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) presenting as CB in people with intellectual disability (ID). Findings The findings of this paper show that the appropriate use of drug therapy for ADHD effectively reduced the behavioural challenges. Research limitations/implications Limited by two cases. Application of the findings of this paper is limited given it is a case study. This paper highlights an important clinical implications which need to be studied in a larger scale to make clinical recommendations. Practical implications Findings from the two case studies may be used when making decisions in clinical practice. Originality/value The paper explores the possibility of ADHD presenting as CB in people with ID.