SCHOOL can be a nightmare when your child is more likely to beat up teachers than sit still and heed advice.

For parents who care for children with behavioural problems, the nightmare becomes a daily reality. But as one family found out when they moved to East Lancashire, you can combat the finger wagging and stares that become part of life when your youngster suffers from Attention Deficiency Hyperactive Disorder.

Clare Cook finds out more...

NINE-year-old Darren Clarke and his family moved to Blackburn more than a year ago.

He had suffered for several years with behavioural problems, even lagging behind the academic level of his sister Shelby, five.

But since moving to East Lancashire there has been a glimmer of hope for the St Thomas C of E pupil.

Now instead of running riot in classrooms or hurling abuse at teachers, Darren has started to move forward with his education.

For he has been diagnosed with Attention Deficiency Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), opposational defiant behaviour and suspected dyspraxia -- finally receiving treatment to help him integrate more comfortably in the classroom.

The breakthrough means his family can start tackling the frustration that goes with bringing up a child with hidden disabilities.

His father Howard Eastham, 28, of Lambeth Street, Blackburn, said it has been an up-hill battle to get the diagnostic breakthrough they needed in Birkenhead where lived until last year. Sometimes they even wished he had outward signs of a disability just so Darren looked outwardly different.

"No one would accept there was a problem," said Howard. "Teachers wouldn't believe us. It's been going on for four to five years.

"He doesn't acknowledge pain or danger and tries to escape from school. He pushes teachers and other children around.

"But he is not a bad child and we knew there was something more going on. It's not fair that he is classed as a problem child."

Since settling in East Lancashire, the family have been to see a child psychologist at Montague Street Health Centre, Blackburn, where Darren was diagnosed with ADHD and suspected dyspraxia, a neurological disorder which in Darren's case effects his co-ordination. It prevents him playing football or being able to catch a ball.

One child in every class of 30 is thought to suffer from dyspraxia, which used to be known as Clumsy Child Syndrome.

And his attention problems mean he is labelled by some as a "problem child" and suffers from a lack of concentration and memory.

Mother Samantha Clarke, 27, said people look at her with "disgust" if she is unable to control Darren when they are out.

"People are ignorant and say 'why don't you keep control of him'. But it's not that simple. He's confrontational and reacts to everything on impulse.

"He assaults children and teachers just to escape a situation. We are still very worried."

The family knew something was wrong as Darren failed to meet the same reading and writing standards as his sister.

But thanks to diagnosis and a drugs treatment, problem incidents have reduced to a handful a week rather than dozens a day. And the family will find out in March if Darren will be 'statemented' by Blackburn with Darwen education services, meaning more special needs support staff will be made available at his school.

Samantha said: "Darren has already been excluded from one school as teachers just can't cope. One time he fled Little Harwood Community Centre and was nearly killed. It is exhausting and we are grateful for the help we are finally receiving."

Wendy Howarth has recently formed the Blackburn East Dyspraxia foundation covering East Lancashire and helped the family with advice.

She says there are at least 20 children in East Lancashire desperate for extra help.

She added: "A child with hidden disabilities is a tremendous strain on the family. Sometimes you really do wish people could see from the outside that something is not quite right."

The Dyspraxia Foundation will hold a two-weekly drop-in day at Mill Hill Community Centre from March 5 at 9.30am and the last Saturday of every month there will be a family support day at Daisy Field Community Centre, Moss Street, Blackburn costing £1 per family.

Call Wendy on 01254 673338 for details.