Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) is characterized by lack attention and distractibility with impulsivity and hyperactivity. The onset of these symptoms must be present before the age of seven and symptoms must exist for more than 6 months. A screening tool may be sued to identify behaviors that indicate problems with attention, impulse control and hyperactivity. A diagnosis entails a thorough evaluation by a clinician with experience in ADHD.
Identification
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a child receive a through medical and neurological examination to rule out any other disorders. A thorough family and personal medical history should be taken. It is also necessary to do a in-depth interview with parents, teachers, and other caregivers to assess behavior across several settings. These members are often asked to fill out a behavior rating scale to provide to the clinician for evaluation. An observation of the child should be made by a trained professional who has experience in the area of ADHD. An ADHD screening tool may be used and psycho-educational assessments should be done to measure psychological well-being and IQ.
Considerations
The evaluator will assess the onset of the symptoms. Diagnostic criteria mandate that the have been manifested before the age of seven. Whether or not the child was diagnosed at that age does not matter. It is the presence of the symptoms that are the determining factor for meeting this criteria.The have a negative impact on the child's education, social life, or personal relationships. Even though the symptoms are present, if they do not create a negative impact. They are not of the severity to diagnose ADHD.
Features
Symptoms of inattention in children include not listening to all of the directions or making careless mistakes in completing schoolwork or chores, appearing not to listen to adults, losing or misplacing items necessary to complete tasks, failing to plan ahead for future steps, and failure to complete projects.
Symptoms of distractibility are the inability to focus on the task at hand if there are any outside stimuli. This may include sounds, motions, or visual stimulus.
The child who is impulsive has difficulty waiting his turn, begins tasks without waiting for instruction, blurts out answers, and interrupts others.
The hyperactive child has difficulty remaining seated and may get up and walk around, fidgets in his seat, talks constantly and may run and climb at inappropriate times.
Misconceptions
The ADHD child is often misunderstood as the adults around him may mistakenly believe that he is acting out on purpose. It is not unusual for adults to assume that if the child can attend in one situation he can attend in all situations. The child with ADHD may appear to be control of his actions, but the urge to move or the desire to speak may be too great for him to control.
Prevention/Solution
Treatment of ADHD should consist of a combination of techniques. Counseling, behavior modification and instruction in organization and planning will teach the child to manage his ADHD. In some cases medication may be in order, either for a short period while the child learns coping skills, or as a long term treatment.
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