Abstract
D.Ed.
The practice regarding the diagnosing and therapeuterising, with Ritalin, of children
with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is inadequate. There is in general practice little, if any, signs of holistic interactive co-operation amongst practitioners regarding diagnosing and therapeuterising, with Ritalin, exceptions excluded. The practice situation reflects a rather fragmented image, unscientific practises regarding diagnostic and therapeutic instruments and procedures, ignorance and incompleteness. The rational why this study was undertaken is because of the researcher's experience of the overwhelming inadequacy of this practice. The aim of this research was to develop, validate and describe standards for the holistic interactive management of the practice of diagnosing of the child \Vith ADHD and his/her therapy, with Ritalin. These standards can contribute towards improvement of the total practice, that is improvement of aid rendering to this child in order to optimise his/her functioning accordingly. In order to reach this aim, a research method was followed whereby an intensive literature study, multiple case studies and a questionnaire survey regarding a variety of professional practitioners and parents, was introduced in order to obtain data from the practice situation. Data was continuously qualitatively analised within the parameters of a theoretically grounded conceptual framework. These analyses eventually culminated in the description of concept standards and revised concept standards which were submitted to five domain experts for validation. The final standards which were determined through a process of a reasonable high level of consensus amongst these experts, is described in two official languages, namely Afrikaans and English. The final standards reflect the need from practice, namely holistic interactive management of the procedures of diagnosis and therapy, with Ritalin, of the child with ADHD.