Parents of children with ADD, also referred to as ADHD or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, report their kids lack focus, often forgetting things, moving quickly from one activity to the next, daydreaming and failing to follow instructions. Children with hyperactivity, a hallmark of ADD, may move incessantly, talk constantly and find it difficult to control their impulsiveness. Though some hyperactivity and lack of focus is normal in kids, parents who believe their child has a persistent behavioral problem should seek testing for childhood ADHD, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Step 1
Find an ADD specialist. Your child's doctor, a developmental pediatrician or a clinical psychologist or social worker can play a role in diagnosing your child's behavioral problems. For recommendations, call the guidance counselor at your child's school or a local attention deficit hyperactivity advocacy organization, such as CHADD, or Children and Adults with Hyperactivity/Attention Deficit Disorder, can recommend local ADD specialists. Ask your health insurance carrier to suggest reputable providers covered by your insurance policy. Interview several specialists until you find one with whom you're comfortable enough to ask questions, Helpguide.org suggests.
Step 2
Discuss and identify your child's symptoms. The doctor or mental health professional who evaluates your child for attention problems will ask you lots of questions about your child's behavior, physical symptoms and medical history. Note the severity of your child's symptoms and discuss how his behavior influences his life at home and school. Talk to the attention deficit disorder specialist about when the symptoms started and how long they've continued. Before a child receives a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, her symptoms must continue for at least six months in more than one environment. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, most symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder first appear between ages 3 and 6. If your child's symptoms occur only at home or only at school, it's unlikely that inattention or hyperactivity is the cause of the problem, according to Helpguide.org.
Step 3
Discuss related disorders and other health conditions with your doctor or mental health professional. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, children with attention disorders may also have learning disabilities, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety and depression, bipolar disorder and Tourette syndrome. Sleep disorders, nighttime incontinence, substance abuse and other problems could cause behavioral problems similar to attention deficit disorder. When the doctor or mental health professional tests your child for attention problems, he may examine medical exams and school records and administer tests of intellectual ability to rule out other disorders that could contribute to your child's behavioral problems.
