Abstract
R, a Y9 pupil with ADHD in a residential special school, KEYW ORDS is not managing to access the curriculum owing to his distractibility ADHD; and aggressive behaviour. Efforts to help him by adjusting prescribed individual medication are unsuccessful. Evidence is collected to assess his need for support; individual support as an alternative. Data are gathered through indi-residential vidual interviews, analysis of daily staff reports, and structured behav-school ioural observation. Analysis using a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches shows that R functions more successfully when individually supported by an adult, and suggests that the quality of his relationship with that person is also significant.