Attention deficit disorder is most commonly diagnosed in children at age 7, according to MayoClinic.com. The preferred term for this condition is known as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder because this refers to more complete aspects of the condition. This condition affects your child's behavior, school performance and personality. Because knowing your child has this condition can help to determine treatment and behavioral modifications, diagnosis to begin swift treatment is necessary.
Identification
Diagnosing ADD or ADHD in a child involves obtaining behavior descriptions from the child's parents and teachers. Common symptoms include difficulty maintaining attention at school or play, according to Help Guide.org. Inability to complete tasks or often losing items also can indicate the condition. Children with ADHD may seem always "on" or "on-the-go," speaking very quickly, running and jumping on items and being disruptive to others. While these symptoms may describe most children at some point in their lives, those with ADD experience these symptoms constantly and for periods of time lasting longer than six months.
Prevalence
More boys than girls are diagnosed with ADHD, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. An estimated 17 million children are diagnosed with this condition, making it a common and treatable condition, according to Dr. Phil McGraw, a psychologist and author, on his website.
Misconceptions
Misconceptions about children with ADHD include that children have to be hyperactive, according to Help Guide.org. Not all ADHD children are hyperactive; instead, they may be inattentive, meaning they have difficult paying attention or concentrating on tasks. Another misconception is that children with ADHD have behavior problems. While unruly behavior can be an indicator of the condition, this does not mean they are purposefully acting this way. Some children chemically cannot adjust their behavior. Children also do not "grow out of" the condition---if a child has ADHD, it's important for her to learn coping mechanisms that help her succeed into adulthood.
Diagnosis
Your child's physician can help to diagnose ADHD or your physician may recommend a specialist, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Your physician will discuss your child's symptoms with you and may rule out other causes for the behavior, such as hearing or vision problems. Because there is no definitive test for ADHD, it is important to note symptoms observed in your child or those that teachers or family members have noted.
Treatment
Medication is not always the first or best treatment for children with ADHD, according to Help Guide.org. Children with ADHD may benefit from eating a special diet that reduces foods associated with hyperactivity, such as sugar, caffeine, wheat, milk or eggs. Parental behavior modifications, such as keeping a child on a regular schedule, using timeouts to get your child away from social stimulation or helping him to become more organized can help. Medication is often prescribed and can include stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate or dextroamphetamine, to help regulate neurotransmitter levels in the brain. While these are highly effective in some children, others may not respond to them at all.
