ADD, usually referred to as ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neuro-behavioral condition that afflicts children and that can persist into adulthood. Children can display symptoms of different types of ADHD. Some children have problems primarily with sustaining attention, some show problems primarily with hyperactivity, and some have problems with both inattention and hyperactivity. Children with ADD struggle to maintain attention. They have difficulty completing daily tasks that other children do with ease. They resist, avoid or struggle with sedentary tasks and act impulsively. ADHD can be treated medically, so proper identification is a critical first step on the road to healing.
Step 1
Use online questionnaires to determine if your child may have symptoms of ADHD. These online tests have you identify the presence of symptoms of ADHD. The online tests at Family Education evaluate which type of ADHD your child might have--the primarily inattentive type, primarily hyperactive type, or the combined type. The online 60-plus item assessment for ADHD at New Ideas evaluates ADHD, plus further aspects of functioning, which includes problems at school, anxiety and depression. They do not provide specific feedback regarding these co-occurring conditions, but they do provide feedback about whether your child may have ADHD. The online tool at the Health Center provides a short questionnaire and simple results indicating whether your child has symptoms of ADHD. None of these tests provides a definitive diagnosis. They are best used as screening tools to help you determine if ADHD is an issue that warrants further clarification by your child's doctor, counselor or psychologist.
Step 2
Obtain a consultation from your child's pediatrician. Take notes or print the results from the online questionnaires you complete, and share this information with the doctor. Varied medical and psychiatric conditions can trigger, imitate or exacerbate ADHD symptoms, so your doctor should conduct a comprehensive evaluation. Conditions that can contribute to ADHD include environmental allergies, food sensitivities, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies and thyroid problems.
Step 3
Have your child see a psychologist for a comprehensive mental health evaluation. Several psychiatric conditions, including developmental disabilities, learning disorders, mood and behavioral disorders, can create symptoms similar to ADHD. For example, a child who is depressed or anxious can have cognitive, behavioral and attentional problems. ADHD symptoms can result from a mood problem, can co-occur with mood problems, or can cause mood problems. The child who struggles to pay attention in school can easily develop anxiety and depression as a result of their difficulties. A trained professional can sort through the various problems your child has and make recommendations regarding treatment priorities.
Step 4
Have your child participate in testing, if it is recommended. The clinical evaluation and the online tests are based to a large extent on your child's self-report or your assessment of your child's symptoms. Questionnaires, ratings and clinical assessments are potentially vulnerable to reporter bias and distortions. Tests that are based on actual performance of the child provide the most objective assessment of the cognitive processes that underlie ADHD. For example, the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA) is a computerized performance test that assesses inattention, inconsistency in response time and impulsivity. Another example of a performance-based test that directly measures attentional processes is the Attentional Capacity Test (ACT).
Step 5
Follow through with medication and other treatment recommendations, and monitor your child's response. If your child responds positively to ADHD treatment, then you have confirmed the diagnosis in, perhaps, the most important way. Unfortunately, different people respond differently to medications and treatments. If your child does not respond well, it may be necessary to try other medications and further interventions before you find the approach that works best for your child.
Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Pencil
