A term used increasingly in the last twenty years to describe a broad group of behavioural and learning disabilities in childhood. Usually, there is no actual physical defect in the brain, but the child suffers from hyperactivity, which then impairs the Childs ability to concentrate and learn.

Perceptual, cognitive and specific learning disabilities may also be included in this category of dysfunction. Children exhibiting hyperactivity and significant learning difficulties should be seen by a doctor if the problem is serious, as treatment of these conditions usually requires that the child is given psychiatric medicines to control their condition.