Is ADHD real disorder?
ADHD is characterized by a specific combination of symptoms, functional problems and developmental history that follows predictable patterns.
If my child is not hyperactive can he still have ADHD?
Yes. This is known as ADHD-Predominantly Inattentive Type. Children with this subtype daydream and have a hard time focusing.
Is there a specific test to diagnose ADHD?
Professionals qualified in assessing children’s development and behavior will conduct a comprehensive assessment to ascertain whether the individual does indeed have the disorder. There is no medical test that can yet be conducted to determine ADHD. The diagnosis is mainly based on feedback from the mother, primary caregivers and teachers. The DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical manual of Mental Disorders) is widely used to help with this method of diagnosis.
Which professionals can be helpful in assessing, diagnosing or prescribing medication to my ADHD child?
- The Psychiatrist
- The Psychologist
- Your family doctor
- The Neurologist
- The councillor
- The Social Worker
- Psychiatric / paediatric nurse
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
- Specific ADHD coaches
The professional should preferably specialize in the assessment and treatment of ADHD. All these specialists can give an assessment and determine if further help and / or medication is needed. Please note that only some are able to diagnose and prescribe medication.
How does ADHD affect a child’s schooling?
Children with ADHD tend to have problems with academic performance as well as social interaction with their peers and teachers. Many ADHD children repeat grades and even drop out of school due to problems with taking in information as a result of attention span, hyperactivity and impulsivity. A very typical problem is displayed by children who do not turn in schoolwork to the teacher even though it has been completed. Organising their school bag is a problem leading to difficulty completing tasks and having the correct books at school. Entry into middle school becomes exceedingly challenging as they are now expected to follow the class schedule and switch from class to class without assistance.
Is it safe for children to take the recommended prescribed medication for ADHD children?
Psycho stimulant medications have been thoroughly studied and some side effects have been identified, however continuous research is conducted to determine the long term effects. The most common side effects are loss of appetite and insomnia. These side effects can be addressed by changing the dosage or by changing to a slow-release formulation. Side effects differ from one child to the next and it is an experimental process to find the right medication for the individual child.
How effective are medication-free treatments?
Parent training and behavior modification can substantially improve the behavior of ADHD. It is only effective if used faithfully and consistently. Not all families are willing or committed to go along with such treatments.
What could my child’s school be doing to help?
Children with ADHD may benefit from modified instructions, special classroom assistance, behavior management and assistive technology (such as tape recorders or visual aids). Effective communication between teacher and parent is of vital importance.
How did my child get ADHD?
You may be wondering how your child ended up with ADHD. Well, there are various things that might lead to ADHD – including premature birth, use of forceps or a traumatic experience in early childhood.
Whatever the specific cause might be,
“IT SEEMS TO BE SET IN MOTION EARLY IN LIFE WHILE THE BRAIN IS DEVELOPING.”
It is also a highly hereditary condition and found often passed on genetically.
How do I know my child has ADHD?
Many children and adults might display some of the symptoms like inability to concentrate, to sit still or to control impulsive behavior. For an individual with ADHD these problems are always there and they are unable to control it in the same way as a person without ADHD. This has a huge impact on their life and can prevent them from reaching their full potential if not understood.
Take the ADHD test for children at the top of this web page to get an idea if your child might possibly be ADHD.
Important Notice: You should never self-diagnose your child. Always seek the professional medical advice of your pediatrician or general practitioner. This is merely a guideline and will give you some indication which symptoms your ADHD child is displaying and if there are signs of ADHD.
Should you have any specific questions you need answered please email us and we will post your question with an answer from one of our experts on this webpage.