It is important to remember that, while a checklist can help you determine whether or not your child needs further evaluation, only a physician can actually diagnose your child with ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD can often be mimicked by other disorders. In some children, a different form of discipline can change concerning behaviors. However, for children with ADHD, medical treatment is the best option.
The Definition of ADHD
ADHD, or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a chronic condition. This means that it will not simply go away. In fact, for many children that have ADHD, the condition can carry on into adulthood. ADHD can be displayed through any combination of problems that includes hyperactivity, inability to sustain attention, and/or impulsive behavior. Because of their inability to maintain behavior, particularly in a school setting, children with ADHD can often experience trouble in peer relationships and display poor performance in school. This can sometimes lead to poor self-esteem that is not directly related to ADHD.There is no cure for ADHD. Treatment, however, can help to control the symptoms often experienced with the condition. Treatment can include medication, behavioral intervention, or a combination of the two. Treatment can often help children learn how to cope with and control their condition. This can help them be more successful in their adult life.
In the past, ADHD was simply diagnosed as ADD or attention deficit disorder. However, further evaluation of the condition revealed that attention issues were not enough to describe the condition. Many children displayed impulsive and hyperactive behaviors that were not indicated in the previous diagnosis. This was the reason for adding the hyperactivity component of the disorder.
For a proper diagnosis of ADHD, doctors suggest that children be at least age 7. However, children can often display symptoms much sooner. In some cases, parents have noted an indication of symptoms as early as age 2. Unfortunately, proper diagnosis cannot take place at this time because of the activity of young children paired with the lack of communication skills.
Symptoms of ADHD
There are two different categories of symptoms for ADHD; inattention and hyperactivity. Children can display any number of these symptoms in any combination. However, symptoms from each category must be indicated to receive an ADHD diagnosis. Some behaviors, while they are found within ADHD, can actually be related to other issues. Your doctor is the best person to counsel you on the symptoms and behaviors displayed in your child.Inattention symptoms can include:
- Difficulty in sustaining attention during play or specified tasks. This applies to even tasks that are enjoyed by the child.
- Child seems to have a difficult time listening, even if they are being directly spoken to.
- Child may avoid or display dislike for tasks that require extended mental effort.
- Child may often be forgetful
- Child may frequently lose important items including toys, books, pencils, and school papers.
- Child may have difficulty following through with tasks or instructions and often fails to complete tasks requested of the child like chores or schoolwork.
- Child can have difficulty organizing their tasks, personal items, or other activities.
- Child is often easily distracted.
- Hyperactive or impulsive behavior can include:
- Fidgeting or squirming
- Seeming to always be “on the go.”
- Frequently interrupts conversations.
- May disrupt the games of others
- May have difficulty waiting for turn.
- Blurts out answers to questions in class or impulsively talks during class
- Runs, climbs, jumps, or moves when not appropriate.
- In adolescents, may complain of restlessness.
While there are many exceptions, boys often display more hyperactivity than girls. Girls are more prone to inattentiveness that is not noticed. In girls, parents often indicate that they are “daydreaming” or “seem to be in their own world.” This can often lead to a lack of diagnosis in girls.
ADHD or Normal Behavior?
Not all children who are inattentive or hyperactive have ADHD. In fact, many healthy children can often display symptoms of ADHD. This can be especially true of younger children. However, it is important to realize that younger children have a shorter attention span, particularly in tasks that do not sustain their interest. If you suspect that your child has ADHD, consider these questions:- Has your child displayed these behaviors for more than six months?
- Does the behavior occur in more than one setting? (school, home, grocery store, etc.)
- Does the behavior frequently interfere with relationships, school, or home life?
If you can answer yes to all three of these questions, it may be a good idea to have your child evaluated for ADHD. Just remember, only a physician can provide an accurate diagnosis.
