Knowledge and Perceptions of Child-Care Social Workers about ADHD

Abstract

Four hundred and forty social work practitioners for children, including those of Guardian ad Litem status, were surveyed regarding their knowledge and perceptions concerning attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Questionnaires were distributed to the social workers via managers in seven boroughs in the south‐east of England. The majority of practitioners in the sample were able to correctly identify the key diagnostic criteria closely associated with the condition. Over a third of respondents were unsure of the appropriateness of treatment with stimulant medication while the large majority felt that psychosocial interventions involving the families were appropriate. Length of post‐qualifying experience was found to be a crucial variable influencing both knowledge about ADHD and the preferences for interventions for the condition. Less than three out of ten practitioners regarded it as important to involve the Children with Disabilities Teams (CDTs) in such cases and a similar proportion were unaware of local resources that may support these children and their families. The results are discussed in relation to previous studies, implications for social work practice and training and the role of CDTs in the field.