This systematic review integrates the existing literature regarding relationships that students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have with their teachers, in mainstream inclusive primary, secondary and high school settings. Theoretical approaches and methodical choices were considered in understanding the literature and considering possible research areas. The methods used in the reviewed literature show that investigations in this research field have predominantly used quantitative surveys. Several theoretical approaches have been used, with attachment theory the most-prominent. The findings indicate students with ADHD generally feel less close to their teacher than do their non-ADHD peers, which agrees with the teachers' perceptions. Thus, teachers experience less emotional closeness, less co-operation and more conflicts in their relations with their students with ADHD than with other students. Teachers' rejection of ADHD students poses a risk factor for not only school failure, but also peer exclusion and rejection, leading to low self-esteem and loneliness.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to contribute with innovative knowledge about how lesson study as a method can be used as a tool for increasing in-service teachers' professional development. More specifically, the aim is to test in what way one single lesson study cycle, where teachers' way of perceiving teacher-student interactions was tested before and after, contributes to teachers' increased understanding of relational competence. The study is a pilot preparing for an upcoming main study. Design/methodology/approach Participants were 19 lead teachers (swe: forstelarare) in a Swedish municipality. The study was based on a relational framework and methodological approach (Aspelin, 2017; Pianta, 1999). Data obtained through web-questionnaires and collaborative group reflections were analysed and compiled to find general patterns. Findings The majority of the participants (98.5%) considered their understanding of relational competence to be increased (Cohen's d 1.72) during the intervention. Additionally, there was a notable increase in participants' abilities to verbalise their understanding post-intervention. Research limitations/implications The lack of revised studies might have impacted the validity of this work. However, as this was a pilot study the result can be considered to fulfil the purpose. Practical implications The research suggests that lesson study as a method for in-service teachers as participating students can be used effectively to increase teachers' professional development. Originality/value The study aims to investigate how lesson study as a method can be used to develop in-service teacher learning.

Research suggests that supportive teacher-student relationships are a prerequisite for student development. Developing such relationships requires teachers to observe, interpret, and reflect on teacher-student interactions and on teachers' relational competence in practice. Although teacher-student relationships are especially challenging with students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), few studies have examined how these relationships develop. In this qualitative study, teachers from two Swedish elementary schools comprising one intervention (n = 33) and one control group (n = 20) completed pre- and post-tests in which they analysed videos of teacher-student interactions. We explored how the teachers understood relational competence in relation to students with ADHD before and after the video-based intervention, which included a presentation on the concept of relational competence and a model for analysing such competence. Our findings suggest that the intervention promoted teacher development regarding relational competence. Compared with the pre-test period, participants i) used more nuanced relational language, ii) substantiated their claims with concrete cues regarding interpersonal communication, and iii) adopted both teacher and student perspectives regarding the relationship. Finally, new understanding regarding relational competence was combined with knowledge regarding the importance of teacher sensitivity and responsiveness when working with students with ADHD.

This study examined whether teachers’ professional development of their relational competence with students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) modifies teachers’ and students’ perceptions of their teacher-student relationships (TSR). Participants comprised teachers (n = 33) and students (n = 232) from two elementary schools: one intervention school (InS) and one control school (CoS). InS teachers reported significant TSR improvements, regardless of student group or gender (p = .03). Among InS students, significant results were driven by female neurodiverse (ND) students and neurotypical (NT) male students (p = .03). Nevertheless, positive effects were solely observed among ND female students, while NT male students, conversely, reported decreased TSR during follow-up tests. No significant effects were found at the CoS irrespective of teacher or student ratings. The findings suggest that enhancing teachers’ understanding of relational competence concerning ND students will not only improve their own perceptions of their TSR but also those of ND female students. Nonetheless, directing teachers’ focus towards one student group (ND students) risks diminishing teachers’ attention towards other student groups, potentially explaining the poorer follow-up results among NT boys. The finding warrants further investigation, as it indicates a challenge for teachers to establish sufficient relational engagement with all students.