RIYADH: The way seven-year-old Leena Al-Ahmad expresses herself at school makes some of her teachers and classmates describe her as “annoying,” “loony” and “nutty.” However, what Leena’s peers do not understand is that she suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a condition that makes her hyperactive.

“I love coloring and drawing. I wish to be a painter one day,” said Leena, speaking at her grandparents’ house. “I do not understand math very easily because the teacher is always shouting at me and asking me to stand still,” she said, adding that she nevertheless enjoys school.

Medical experts consider ADHD to be a neurobehavioral problem; what causes this condition is still under study.

ADHD affects 3 to 5 percent of school-age children with symptoms starting before the age of seven. It is characterized by a persistent pattern of impulsiveness and inattention with or without a component of hyperactivity. It occurs twice as often in boys than in girls.

Unlike other disabilities, many people do not easily recognize ADHD. There is a general lack of awareness about the disorder that makes it hard for people to understand the problem, resulting in them not being able to appropriately respond to it.

Teachers, for example, may be brilliant educators but they often deal badly with children who have behavioral disorders, as such children appear physically normal. “Behavioral disorders are different and many teachers lack the required skills to deal with such children in school,” said Dr. Khalid Al-Hamad, assistant professor at King Saud University’s Special Education Department.

“Class management courses are required to help teachers encourage good behavior in ADHD students and try as much as they can to get the best from them,” he added.

Al-Hamad said there is a lack of courses training teachers how to handle students with disabilities — regardless of whether these are physical, mental, or behavioral disabilities. He said that although teachers undergo an introductory course on special education, this is not enough.

“Teachers should understand the needs of ADHD students. They need to be aware that this is a behavioral disorder, even though it is not as obvious as other disabilities,” he said, adding, “Those teachers who deal with students directly on a daily basis should find remedies for the children and accept their behavior.”

Leena does not know what ADHD means. Her mother, Layla Ali, a mother of three, is determined not to tell her. She finds it difficult to break the news and fears telling her would affect her self-esteem.

When people ask Leena why she is always hyper and unable to focus, she answers, “Well, I am a future athlete. You should understand and respect me.”

Leena is apparently aware of her problem; she deals with it serenely and tries to do what would benefit her. She believes that it is a gift and that people are not wise enough to see it.

This became apparent when she showed us her drawings, which all contained images of girls frowning.

When asked about the pictures, Leena said, “Some of my classmates hate me. I wish they would change their minds so that we could start playing together.”

Layla is worried about Leena’s academic performance, especially since teachers are always sending her notes and asking her to come into school because of Leena’s disruptive behavior in class.

“I tried to explain her situation to the teachers but they never listen. They even asked me to take her for a minor mental retard test, although they know that her IQ is excellent,” she said.

“I’ve been asked by doctors to start giving her medication, but just the thought of it is terrifying,” Layla said.

“I tried it with her for a while and I regret that ... she was not the same at that time. She was a different, quiet child sitting away from everyone, as if she was afraid of something; I do not want to see her like that ever again.”

Leena on the other hand has her own way of explaining everything. She tells funny jokes, has good table manners, and a great sense of hospitality. She served her guests coffee, dates and chocolate.

In spite of the frustration in school and the telling-offs, Leena enjoys school as she gets to meet her friends.

“I love school because I laugh, run and play,” Leena said. “If I were a teacher, I would let everyone play as much as they wanted.”