No single test exists to check your child for attention deficit disorder, or ADD, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. A diagnosis of ADD is made instead by gathering information and observing your child's behaviors. The actual diagnosis must be made by a licensed health professional, but you can make the determination of whether your child's behavior warrants evaluation.
Step 1
Educate yourself about ADD before your evaluate your child's behavior. Certain characteristics and conditions must exist before behavior is termed ADD. Take the time to read up on ADD either in books or on reputable medical websites. Review the checklists of behavioral symptoms to help you know what to look for in your child. You will also find that the terms ADD and ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, are often used interchangeably.
Step 2
Observe your child's behavior at home over a period of time. Ask yourself if concerning behaviors are consistent with your child's age and stage of development. Compare the behaviors with the ADD symptoms checklists in the books you've read or the websites you've visited. Symptoms of ADD fall into three categories: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Mark down any of your child's behaviors that seem to meet the criteria.
Step 3
Speak to your child's teacher or caregiver about your child's behavior away from home. Note, also, your child's behavior away from both home and school, for instance in a grocery store, at the park or in the library. Mark down similarities or differences to behaviors you see at home.
Step 4
Determine whether your child's behavioral symptoms meet the three guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics: Does your child have at least six inattention symptoms or six hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms? Have they been present for at least six months and have some of them been present since before the age of 7? Do the symptoms manifest in at least two settings, for example, both at school and at home?
Step 5
Schedule an appointment with a health care professional for evaluation. Start with your child's pediatrician, or opt for going straight to a mental health provider. Keep in mind that, at some point, a physical evaluation may be necessary to rule out other conditions before your child is diagnosed with attention deficit disorder.
Tips and Warnings
- Many myths surround the diagnosis of ADD. Some of what you read or hear will tell you that your child's behavior is due to poor parenting, family chaos, too much TV and video games, allergies or the like. The best guard against feeling guilty, and the best action you can take for your child's well-being, is to arm yourself with information and come to your own conclusions.
Things You'll Need
- ADD behavior checklists
