1. Understand Your Child
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) are two of the most overly diagnosed conditions in children in America. Rates of diagnosis of ADHD have increased almost 38 percent in the United States over the past 10 years. Many doctors and educators warn that the condition is being used as a blanket diagnosis for any behavioral problems with children. Understanding your child's temperament and remembering that children are prone to short attention spans and mood swings is important before pursuing ADD or ADHD therapy.
2. Recognize the Symptoms
Parents typically have pretty clear feelings that something might be off with one of their children. ADHD has some symptoms which are recognizable both at school and at home. Two types of ADHD exist: the inattentive type and the hyperactive-impulsive type. The inattentive type typically has problems paying attention, listening problems, comprehension problems, distractibility, poor school performance, difficulty staying with tasks and forgetfulness in daily activities. The hyperactive-impulsive type is more likely to be disruptive, loud or overly rambunctious, interruptive, excessively talkative, fidgety and squirmy.
3. Talk to Your Doctor First
Talking with your child's pediatrician can be the first step in diagnosing ADHD. Often parents find that the diagnosis will come from educators or school counselors who believe the child has a problem. However, any information from the school system should be backed up by a medical professional of your choosing before settling with a diagnosis. Ask your child's physician to review the symptoms to better understand behavior and correctly determine a diagnosis.
4. Hold the Diagnosis
ADHD isn't typically diagnosed until after the age of 7 years old, since most children display many of the symptoms of ADHD up until they gain the skills necessary to stay with complex tasks for long periods of time. A child must also display a set of behaviors that is more severe than other children of the same age and these behaviors should be present for at least 6 months. The behaviors must also be negatively affecting at least two areas of a child's life, usually home and school.
5. Consider All the Options
ADHD can mimic many other problems in a child's life so it's important to take into account other possible variables that could be adversely contributing to the child's emotional and psychological well-being. Problems at home such as a divorce or death can cause behavioral problems unrelated to ADHD but mimic the symptoms. Physical symptoms such as eye problems or hearing problems could also create agitation and tension for the child. A full physical and psychological exam should be sought before settling on an ADHD diagnosis. Many other psychological and physical problems can create symptoms similar to ADHD in children. You should consider all options with equal weight before treating a child for ADHD.
