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Should Schools Offer Training on Behavioural Differences vs Disorders? 

PostedOctober 13, 2025
UpdatedOctober 14, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Absolutely, and not just for the benefit of students, but for teachers and families too. School training on behaviour vs ADHD is essential to prevent mislabelling, improve early support, and ensure children are not wrongly steered into clinical pathways when they may simply be struggling with development, environment, or emotional stress. 

Start your ADHD journey today

Why This Training Matters 

Teachers are often the first to notice attention issues or hyperactivity. But without proper training, they might interpret developmentally normal behaviour, language barriers, or emotional distress as signs of ADHD. This can lead to unnecessary referrals, stress for families, and children being misunderstood. 

Training that clearly distinguishes between behavioural variation (e.g. shyness, impulsiveness, distractibility) and clinical neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD allows educators to make informed observations not clinical judgements. 

What Training Should Include 

  • Understanding developmental milestones and how behaviour varies across ages 
  • Recognising trauma- or stress-related behaviours that mimic ADHD 
  • Differentiating temporary adjustment issues (e.g. after a move or family change) from sustained symptom patterns 
  • How to write informed, balanced referral letters for further assessment 
  • Communication with families to reduce fear, stigma, or blame 

Conclusion 

Training in behaviour vs disorder recognition is not about turning teachers into psychologists it is about giving them confidence to support kids well and refer only when truly needed. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for access to school consultation services and educator resources.

For a deeper dive into ADHD diagnosis and treatment, read our complete guide to Mislabelling Behavioral Issues as ADHD. 

Start your ADHD journey today
Victoria Rowe, MSc, author for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Victoria Rowe, MSc
Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.