Attention deficit disorder is currently referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Children can be diagnosed with either the inattentive type or the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD. A child also could receive a diagnosis of the combined type where their behaviors incorporate both types of ADHD. There are many factors that have to be in place for a diagnosis of ADHD.
Hyperactive-impulsive Child
The hyperactive-impulsive child will appear as if he is always on the go. He may be constantly on the move running and climbing at inappropriate times, constantly talking and lacking the ability to talk or play quietly, according to the Mayo Clinic. This child may be unable to sit still, constantly fidgeting or squirming when he is supposed to sit quietly in his seat, and he may have to get up from his seat after a short period of time. He may be unable to wait his turn and will interrupt and intrude on others personal space, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Inattentive Child
A child with the inattentive form of ADHD will appear to be easily distracted and may not seem to listen when spoken to, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. She will overlook details, be unable to follow directions fully and will lack the natural ability to remain organized, NAMI says. This child will often forget important items or dates. Also, she may be on the constant hunt for misplaced or lost items that are of importance. Activities for an inattentive child will have to be extremely short and in an environment that is free from distractions.
Number of Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, a diagnosis of ADHD requires that a child display at least six of the symptoms associated with either the inattentive type or the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD. To receive a diagnosis of the combined type, the six symptoms can come from a combination of the subtypes, the Mayo Clinic says.
Normal vs. ADHD
For a child to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, he must display the behaviors associated with ADHD at a level that is significantly more severe than other children his age, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Age
The onset of symptoms has to occur before the age of 7 and has to cause significant impairment in the life of the child, the Mayo Clinic says. Although not all children are diagnosed before the age of 7, mental-health professionals will talk to caregivers and teachers to discuss what they remember about his behaviors before the age of 7. This allows them to determine if the behaviors were apparent and severe at that time in the child’s life.
Time Frame
A diagnosis of ADHD is not made unless the behaviors are displayed for more than six consecutive months, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Setting
A child must display the behaviors of ADHD across two separate settings. She has to display the behavior in two places such as at school and at home. If the behaviors are only appearing in one setting, there may be an environmental factor that can be attributed to the display of behaviors rather than the mental-health illness of ADHD.
