Academic performance of adolescents with ADHD and other behavioural and learning problems —a population‐based longitudinal study

Abstract

To study academic performance (final grades at the age of 16 years) in individuals with i) attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ii) other learning and/or behavioural problems. Of a total population of 591 children, originally assessed at the age of 10-11 years, it was possible to obtain final grades for 536 16-year-olds (in grade 9). Those fulfilling the criteria for ADHD/sub-threshold ADHD (n = 39) and those with 'Behaviour and Learning Problems' (BLP group), (n = 80) and a comparison group (n = 417) were contrasted. The ADHD and BLP groups had a significantly lower total mean grade at the age of 16 years than the comparison group. In addition, the ADHD and BLP groups also qualified for further studies in the upper secondary school to a significantly lesser extent than the controls (72%, 68% and 92%, respectively). All IQ measures (at the age of 10-11 years) were positively correlated with the overall grade after grade 9, with especially strong correlations for verbal capacity. ADHD and similar problems entail a risk of underachievement at school. The results indicate that pupils with ADHD underachieve in the school situation in relation to their optimal cognitive capacity. The contextual situation and the particular requirements should be considered in order for adequate educational measures to be undertaken.