Approximately 3 to 7 percent of school-aged children suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of these children displayed signs of their condition before even attending school. Since early intervention and treatment can prevent those with the condition from needless struggle, parents should talk to a doctor or mental health professional as soon as possible if they have any concerns about their young child having this disorder.
Step 1
Read about the symptoms of ADHD. Symptoms of inattention include careless mistakes, trouble keeping attention on tasks, poor listening, poor follow-through, disorganization, avoids tasks that require mental effort, frequently losing things, distraction and forgetting. Symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity include blurting out answers, trouble taking turns, frequently interrupts, excessive talking, always seems to be in motion, difficulty playing quietly, climbing or running when it is inappropriate to do so, difficulty staying seated and constantly fidgeting.
Step 2
Count the number of symptoms of ADHD the child displays in two different settings, such as at home and in daycare or school, in a 6-month period. A child must display six or more inattention symptoms to qualify for a diagnosis of the Inattentive type of ADHD, six more hyperactive or impulsive symptoms to qualify for a diagnosis of the impulsive-hyperactive type and six or more of both to qualify for the combined type, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Step 3
Observe the child with his peers. Younger children are often hyperactive or inattentive even when they do not have ADHD. However, if the child seems to be display more signs of hyperactivity or inattentiveness than peers his same age, he may have ADHD.
Step 4
Take the child to a pediatrician to rule out a medical cause for the symptoms. Thyroid problems, seizure disorders, vision or hearing problems, sleep disorders, autism, mood disorders, learning problems, certain medications and a number of other medical conditions may cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. It also may be wise for children not yet in preschool to receive a special evaluation from a speech pathologist or developmental pediatrician to rule out developmental delays or disabilities.
Step 5
Take the child to a psychiatrist or mental health professional for an ADHD evaluation. Always go to someone with expertise and experience in treating ADHD to ensure a proper diagnosis.
Tips and Warnings
- The presence of ADHD is often more noticeable in boys than girls. Boys with ADHD are more likely to be hyperactive and less compliant, while girls with ADHD tend to be more likely to daydream or show signs of inattention, explains MayoClinic.com. Parents and professionals should be aware of these differences and pay closer attention to the behavior of girls so that girls with ADHD do not go undiagnosed.
- Medication is often prescribed to treat ADHD, but parents should do their own research and thoroughly discuss potential risks in doing so with a doctor before deciding if this approach is right for their young child.
References
- "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders", American Psychiatric Association, 2000
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: ADHD Diagnosis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: ADHD Symptoms and Diagnosis
- MayoClinic.com: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: Symptoms
- MayoClinic.com: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: Tests and Diagnosis
