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Dealing with ADHD: Identification and Diagnosis
By Meaghan Montrose
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is becoming more and more common among school-age children. The disorder may include actions of inattentiveness or hyperactivity or both. For a child suffering from ADHD, these behaviors can create a very stressful family life and make success in school nearly impossible. In addition, the parents of a child with ADHD can be affected by feelings of frustration, anger, helplessness, and disappointment.
If you have any reason to believe that your child is suffering from ADHD it is important to seek help. Here is a list of some of the symptoms of ADHD according to the National Institute of Mental Health:
SYMPTOMS OF ATTENTION DEFICIT
• Become easily distracted, miss details, forget things, and frequently switch from one activity to another
• Have difficulty focusing on one thing
• Become bored with a task after only a few minutes, unless they are doing something enjoyable
• Have difficulty focusing attention on organizing and completing a task or learning something new
• Have trouble completing or turning in homework assignments, often losing things needed to complete tasks or activities
• Not seem to listen when spoken to
• Daydream, become easily confused, and move slowly
• Have difficulty processing information as quickly and accurately as others
• Struggle to follow instructions.
SYMPTOMS OF HYPERACTIVITY:
• Fidget and squirm in their seats
• Talk nonstop
• Dash around, touching or playing with anything and everything in sight
• Have trouble sitting still during dinner, school, and story time
• Be constantly in motion
• Have difficulty doing quiet tasks or activities.
These symptoms should be used as a guideline and a starting point if you have concerns about your child. Remember, that it is normal for all kids to have moments of inattentiveness or hyperactivity. Your concern should begin if the behaviors are consistent, frequent, and uncontrollable. In order to be diagnosed, your child should have these symptoms consistently for at least six months.
If you believe these symptoms fit your child, you should contact your child’s pediatrician and/or the school psychologist. Either of these professionals are able to collect the data and information needed to determine if your child is suffering from ADHD.
Topics: Child Development, Parenting | 1 Comment »
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