ABSTRACT VIEW
MAPPING THE TWITTER DISCOURSE: INSIGHTS INTO ADHD AND SCHOOL
K. Kuralová, T. Balcarová, L. Pilař, L. Pilařová
Czech University of Life Sciences (CZECH REPUBLIC)
This paper examines Twitter (now X) users' communication on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the context of school. ADHD is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in children, with a global prevalence of between 2% and 7%. In the context of school, knowledge of ADHD symptoms and their potential impact on learning and social functioning is essential for teachers and peers of students with ADHD. Using social media analysis, we investigate discussions among a diverse range of users on Twitter and identify the most communicated topics about ADHD and school. This paper uses a social media analysis based on a Hashtag Research Framework. 22,699 Tweets from 15,910 users, which included the phrases "ADHD" and "school" from the period of 1. 7. 2021 to 30. 3. 2023 are examined, and frequency and topic analysis are conducted. The results identified several main communication areas. The most communicated topics about ADHD and school were Diagnosis and Educational Levels and School Work and Anxiety; other exciting topics were Supporting Students with ADHD, Children and Addiction, ADHD Medication, ADHD and Productivity, Autism and Sensory Needs, Teachers and ADHD/Autism, and Teachers´ Staff Support. This paper reflects on the current discourse on ADHD and provides insight into current issues, needs, and trends related to ADHD in education. The research raises awareness of the disorder and provides recommendations in the areas examined.

Keywords: ADHD, school, special education, social media analysis, teacher.