Post by Danielle on Dec 23, 2015 17:17:14 GMT
This article appeared on MSN Health and Wellness today.
As I have said for years, ADD/ADHD CANNOT be diagnosed by merely considering these 3 indicators. As with any disorder there must be a complete assessment by a qualified professional. For years I have seen GP's diagnose this disorder by parent report alone. That is both irresponsible and unprofessional as medication is then usually prescribed. I urge you to be careful as a diagnosis, once made, is not retractable. This is one of the MOST overdiagnosed and misdiagnosed disorders of childhood - especially among boys.
The list below is a good one, but only useful as an indicator that an assessment is warranted.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, four to 12 percent of school-age children have ADHD, with boys being diagnosed three times more often than girls. Because signs of ADHD overlap with typical early childhood behaviors, the condition often becomes most apparent once a child begins preschool or elementary school. To help you figure out whether your child should be evaluated for ADHD by an expert, we've summarized the condition's three common signs.
1. Inattention
Inattention is one of the main signs of ADHD in children. As Stephanie H. shares of her son who was diagnosed with ADHD: "He couldn't concentrate on anything; it seemed his mind was just jumping around from one thing to another." The following detailed list of behaviors that may indicate inattention caused by ADHD is offered by HelpGuide.org.
Doesn't pay attention to details
Makes careless mistakes
Has trouble staying focused; is easily distracted
Appears not to listen when spoken to
Has difficulty remembering things and following instructions
Has trouble staying organized, planning ahead, and finishing projects
Gets bored with a task before it's completed
Frequently loses or misplaces homework, books, toys, or other items
2. Hyperactivity
"Does [your child] have excessive motor activity and cannot sit still and squirms and is always running and climbing?" As early childhood educator Erin R. relays, hyperactivity is another typical sign that a child has ADHD. HelpGuide.org lists the following behaviors as potential signs of ADHD-related hyperactivity:
Constantly fidgets and squirms
Often leaves his or her seat in situations where sitting quietly is expected
Moves around constantly; often runs or climbs inappropriately
Talks excessively
Has difficulty playing quietly or relaxing
Is always "on the go," as if driven by a motor
May have a quick temper or a "short fuse"
Notably, not all children with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive; ADD/ADHD children who are inattentive but not hyperactive may instead seem to be unmotivated and constantly spacing out.
3. Impulsivity
"Many children with ADHD are very impulsive," explains Aundrea A. According to HelpGuide.org, the following behaviors are all signs of impulsivity that could be caused by ADHD.
Blurts out answers in class without waiting to be called on or hear the whole question
Can't wait for his or her turn in line or in games
Says the wrong thing at the wrong time
Often interrupts others
Intrudes on other people's conversations or games
Inability to keep powerful emotions in check, resulting in angry outbursts or temper tantrums
Guesses, rather than taking time to solve a problem
This article is not intended as medical advice. If you are concerned your child is exhibiting signs of ADHD, consult your pediatrician.
As I have said for years, ADD/ADHD CANNOT be diagnosed by merely considering these 3 indicators. As with any disorder there must be a complete assessment by a qualified professional. For years I have seen GP's diagnose this disorder by parent report alone. That is both irresponsible and unprofessional as medication is then usually prescribed. I urge you to be careful as a diagnosis, once made, is not retractable. This is one of the MOST overdiagnosed and misdiagnosed disorders of childhood - especially among boys.
The list below is a good one, but only useful as an indicator that an assessment is warranted.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, four to 12 percent of school-age children have ADHD, with boys being diagnosed three times more often than girls. Because signs of ADHD overlap with typical early childhood behaviors, the condition often becomes most apparent once a child begins preschool or elementary school. To help you figure out whether your child should be evaluated for ADHD by an expert, we've summarized the condition's three common signs.
1. Inattention
Inattention is one of the main signs of ADHD in children. As Stephanie H. shares of her son who was diagnosed with ADHD: "He couldn't concentrate on anything; it seemed his mind was just jumping around from one thing to another." The following detailed list of behaviors that may indicate inattention caused by ADHD is offered by HelpGuide.org.
Doesn't pay attention to details
Makes careless mistakes
Has trouble staying focused; is easily distracted
Appears not to listen when spoken to
Has difficulty remembering things and following instructions
Has trouble staying organized, planning ahead, and finishing projects
Gets bored with a task before it's completed
Frequently loses or misplaces homework, books, toys, or other items
2. Hyperactivity
"Does [your child] have excessive motor activity and cannot sit still and squirms and is always running and climbing?" As early childhood educator Erin R. relays, hyperactivity is another typical sign that a child has ADHD. HelpGuide.org lists the following behaviors as potential signs of ADHD-related hyperactivity:
Constantly fidgets and squirms
Often leaves his or her seat in situations where sitting quietly is expected
Moves around constantly; often runs or climbs inappropriately
Talks excessively
Has difficulty playing quietly or relaxing
Is always "on the go," as if driven by a motor
May have a quick temper or a "short fuse"
Notably, not all children with ADD/ADHD are hyperactive; ADD/ADHD children who are inattentive but not hyperactive may instead seem to be unmotivated and constantly spacing out.
3. Impulsivity
"Many children with ADHD are very impulsive," explains Aundrea A. According to HelpGuide.org, the following behaviors are all signs of impulsivity that could be caused by ADHD.
Blurts out answers in class without waiting to be called on or hear the whole question
Can't wait for his or her turn in line or in games
Says the wrong thing at the wrong time
Often interrupts others
Intrudes on other people's conversations or games
Inability to keep powerful emotions in check, resulting in angry outbursts or temper tantrums
Guesses, rather than taking time to solve a problem
This article is not intended as medical advice. If you are concerned your child is exhibiting signs of ADHD, consult your pediatrician.