Press Release
Sydney, Australia — New research from ADHD Lifespan Clinic & Academy highlights how evidence-based teacher professional learning can improve the recognition and classroom support of students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), helping bridge the long-standing gap between education and healthcare.
At the upcoming Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) Conference, Amy Cheung, Co-Founder of ADHD Lifespan Clinic & Academy, and Professor Jeff Fletcher, Paediatrician and Clinical Director, will present findings from the organisation’s ADHD Training for Teachers course.
Their presentation, “When Teachers Understand ADHD: From Classroom Change to Closing the Care Gap,” examines how ADHD-specific professional learning strengthens teachers’ understanding, recognition and classroom management of ADHD while supporting earlier identification and more coordinated care.
Drawing on pre- and post-training survey data from approximately 500 Australian teachers, the research explores how targeted ADHD education improves recognition of diverse and often overlooked presentations of ADHD, increases teachers’ confidence in applying evidence-informed classroom strategies, and strengthens collaboration with families and clinicians.
Teachers are often among the first adults to recognise the learning, behavioural and social challenges experienced by students with ADHD. Improving teacher knowledge has the potential to support earlier identification, more effective classroom practices, and better outcomes for children.
“The classroom is where ADHD is often first observed in real-world settings,” said Amy Cheung. “By equipping teachers with practical, evidence-informed knowledge and strategies, we can create more supportive learning environments while strengthening collaboration between schools, families and healthcare professionals.”
The presentation also highlights the broader role schools can play in improving ADHD support. ADHD Lifespan’s integrated model combines teacher education with ADHD coaching, digital learning tools and emerging virtual reality supports to help maintain student functioning, reduce escalation and strengthen continuity of care between education and healthcare.
The model presents a scalable pathway:
Training → Mindset → Classroom Practice → Bridging the Care Gap
Professor Jeff Fletcher said teachers are well positioned to recognise when students may benefit from additional support.
“Teachers are often among the first to recognise patterns that may indicate ADHD. Providing educators with practical, evidence-informed training can strengthen collaboration between education and healthcare and support children to access appropriate care sooner.”
For ADHD Lifespan, this work reflects a broader commitment to improving the ADHD journey for children, families and educators by strengthening connections between schools, healthcare professionals and community support services.
About ADHD Lifespan Clinic & Academy
ADHD Lifespan Clinic & Academy provides multidisciplinary ADHD assessment, treatment, education and support services. Through its Clinic and Academy, the organisation works to improve understanding of ADHD across healthcare, education and community settings while promoting coordinated support throughout the lifespan.
Learn More
To learn more about ADHD Lifespan Clinic & Academy and the ADHD Training for Teachers course, visit:
https://adhdlifespan.com.au/academy/teachers-course-demo/
