Diagnosing (ADD) ADHD
Is It (ADD) ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder can be difficult to diagnose. Since most children exhibit behavior characteristic of ADHD at times and to varying degrees, diagnosis should be approached thoughtfully. Stressful situations in a child’s life, such as loss or strife at home, can also bring about behavior that resembles ADHD. A comprehensive assessment of a child’s circumstances as well as behavior should therefore be undertaken before a diagnosis is given.
Diagnosing (ADD) ADHD
Childhood itself is characterized by a process of maturation and socialization in which children learn to govern their own behavior, focus, remember, complete tasks, and so on. Children develop these abilities at different rates. But overall the developmental level of children with ADHD is below that of most children of the same age in terms of attentiveness and/or self-control.
Parents may suspect a problem with their toddler or preschooler, but it is often teachers who first point out signs of ADHD because they typically have the best sense of what is normal or average behavior in children and what is not. However, even teachers can overlook inattention problems because children with this form of ADHD tend to be quieter and more cooperative than children with hyperactive/impulsive behavior.
A specialist such as a social worker or psychologist can assess whether a child has ADHD by interviewing parents and teachers and evaluating the child. He or she must first rule out possible alternative causes of behavior that resembles ADHD, such as loss or change at home. In addition he or she needs to be aware that 70 percent of young people with ADHD have a co-occurring condition such as a learning disability, substance abuse, or a psychiatric disorder.
The specialist should talk with and observe the child in different contexts to create a balanced and detailed profile of the child before reaching a diagnosis. For further help assessing your child’s likelihood of having ADHD, use our ADHD Assessment Tool.