By Fatima Malik
ADHD Diagnosis
As a parent, it is difficult to raise a child and be responsible for identifying their talents, issues, symptoms etc. It is a whole other type of observation you need to have to be able to identify something that may affect your child in the long run.
But if for some reason, you’re not sure if your child has ADHD, there are things you need to be aware of before you take them to the doctor.
The DSM-5 suggests to doctors that if a child shows 6 or more symptoms of ADHD, a further investigation is warranted:
- Restless: squirmy and fidgety
- Energetic: in constant motion
- Busy mind: Talking excessively
- Loud: Unable to play quietly
- Inattentive: often not listening
- Distracted: Easily distracted by background noise or activity
- Socially awkward: Interrupting others/ speaking out of turn/ not reading social cues
- Giving up: unable to finish tasks that they lose interest in.
There is no definitive test for ADHD. Therefore doctors will have to investigate to determine if your child has ADHD.
A doctor will give your child a physical exam, take a medical history, and may even give them a non-invasive brain scan.
They need to do extensive interviews from different sources to determine the severity and type of symptoms the child may have.
Boys and girls show symptoms differently and at different ages:
Read More here about ADHD in boys.
Read More here about ADHD in girls.
Sometimes symptoms of ADHD may show up in other health conditions that only a doctor can properly diagnose for your child so you can get the best treatment.
Usually, the doctors classify ADHD in three sections/diagnoses:
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Hyperactive/impulsive: These children are hyperactive (hyper-focusing, trouble sitting still) and impulsive (unable to comprehend the consequences of their actions and therefore acting without thinking). For the most part, these kids can pay attention.
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Inattentive: These children have trouble concentrating or staying present (maladaptive daydreaming). But they are not disruptive or impulsive, so their symptoms may go unnoticed.
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Both Hyperactive/Impulsive and Inattentive: These kids show both categories of symptoms, and this is the most common form of ADHD (because it is the easiest to diagnose).
ADHD Treatment
The best person to establish the best treatment plan for your child is their doctor. This treatment plan could be either medication or behavioural therapy or both.
At Positive Kids, we provide assessments and work with your child’s doctor to establish an effective treatment plan that best suits you as a family. Please contact us at 1-866-503-7454
We have professionals all over Canada.
Montreal, Quebec
Toronto, Ontario
Vancouver, British Colombia
Edmonton, Alberta
Winnipeg, Manitoba
