How Can I Get My Son Tested For ADHD?
It can be a challenge for teens and children to be diagnosed with ADHD. Teachers and parents can receive conflicting or inadequate details about the process.
Your family doctor can test your child's condition for ADHD. They will provide you with questionnaires to fill in and ask questions about your child's behavior. To be diagnosed, symptoms must last for at minimum six months and interfere with school or work performance.
Diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD the patient must exhibit symptoms that impact their daily functioning in more than one setting. For instance, they must, be unable control or concentrate their behavior at school, work, and in their relationships with friends and family. They may also struggle in arranging and planning, as well as executing on their assignments. It's normal for people to have trouble paying attention at times however, the signs of ADHD are often present for a prolonged period of time and can significantly impact their lives.
A doctor will take a full medical history, including a vision and hearing check to rule out any other possible causes of the symptoms. They will also talk with you about your child's problems and ask you to fill out rating scales or questionnaires. They may also give your child's guidance counselor or school teacher an itemized checklist to fill in also. These rating scales are used to determine the frequency with which your child exhibits certain behaviors, for example, disorganization, being forgetful or losing things, daydreaming, interrupting others or being indecisive. These questions could also inquire about your child's academic performance such as grades or test scores.
The evaluator evaluates your child's academic and social history, along with medical records and previous evaluations. They may also seek information from other caregivers, like former teachers and religious or scout leaders. They will talk to your children, you and their parents about their issues and their behavior. They will also evaluate your child in multiple settings to gain a general picture of how they function.
In order to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, your child must have at least six months of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms. These symptoms must be present prior to the time the age of 12 years old and cause a significant impairment in their life in more than one context. If your son's issues are mainly at school, as an example it is not likely to be ADHD and may instead be related to the learning disability or medical illness.
Schools are not able to diagnose ADHD or provide treatment recommendations, however they can provide support and education to students with these issues. They can refer students to a health care specialist or psychiatrist for further evaluation and management of medication.
Medication
It can be a daunting experience for parents to seek a diagnosis of ADHD. By following a few simple steps both you and your child can make the whole process much easier. First, contact the school where your child attends. The principal or teacher of your child will want to assist. They are required by law to do so and the majority of schools have a lot of compassion for children suffering from ADHD.
The next step is to locate a specialist. This may be a psychiatrist, pediatrician or clinical psychologist who is experienced with ADHD. You can find specialists through your insurance company, through an appointment with your doctor, or by asking other parents of children with ADHD for recommendations. The evaluator will ask you about your child's behavior and how it affects him as well as other family members. They will also determine the severity of your child's symptoms and how long they have been present for.
To diagnose ADHD the evaluator for your child will employ standardized rating scales that are designed specifically for children with attention disorders. They will be looking for certain signs, such as difficulty paying attention or having trouble keeping their place in class, as well as hyperactivity and impulsivity. The evaluator takes into account your child's age, his or her history and whether the signs could be attributed to other mental conditions such as depression or anxiety.
If read here determines that your child is ADHD, he or she will discuss medication options with you. This will include the dosage and the type of medication and when to begin taking it. They will also inform you about the benefits of behavioral therapy, which can teach your child and the entire family ways to cope with the disorder and improve their behavior.
While it is important to help your child who has ADHD however, it's equally crucial that you and your family work on improving your own behaviors as well. It's some effort but you'll reap the rewards with a healthier family. In addition, it's crucial to stay clear of sources that promote unsafe or unproven treatments for ADHD, as these can actually worsen your child's condition.
Behavioral Therapy
A team of professionals--including a pediatrician, psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist--will work together to help your child manage their ADHD symptoms. They can help your child by using medications, behavioral therapy or a combination.
Talk to your child's teacher or any other adult who supervises him/her regularly. Ask them about their observations and discuss your concerns. They may recommend that a mental health specialist who specializes in children with ADHD assess the child.
An evaluation will involve an hour or two of interview with a licensed professional. They will utilize scales to assess the changes in your child's ADHD over time. They will also ask for your child's medical, educational and family background.
They may also be looking for other causes for your child's behaviors like anxiety or learning disorders. If your child is at school, they'll also be interested in knowing their academic performance and how they follow classroom rules.
The doctor will not only observe your child but also collect information from others who interact with them. This includes caregivers, parents teachers, coaches, and other caregivers. This is because children may only show symptoms in certain situations, such as at home or at school.
During your appointment the therapist for your child will talk to you your treatment options. Pay attention to the advice of your child's therapist and ensure that you are aware of them. It's also a good idea to express your own concerns.
Once the therapist has assessed your child's needs, they will create a plan to treat their ADHD symptoms with treatment or medication. The goal of the behaviorist is alter your child's bad habits and help him to create new ones. They will do this by teaching them new skills and strategies that can be applied in various environments. They may also use proven parenting programs to teach these skills.
If your child is diagnosed and treated for ADHD it is necessary to make frequent appointments. Afterward, the appointments will be more spaced out.
Counseling
It can be difficult to have your child tested for ADHD. It is best to first talk to your doctor, but also ask other professionals for recommendations. This could include social workers or psychologists as well as psychiatrists with specialized knowledge of dealing with ADHD in children.
When you first make an appointment, the evaluator will need to be able to see a clear picture of your child's symptoms. They'll talk to you, your child as well as their teachers and caregivers. They'll likely also be looking for your child's test scores and progress reports. They'll employ rating scales that assess your child's inattention, hyperactivity and the tendency to be impulsive to diagnose ADHD.
In addition they'll also look into your family history to rule out other possible cause of the symptoms, such as mood disorders or learning problems. They'll also want to know whether your child is suffering from any medical conditions such as allergies, asthma and heart diseases, and whether they have an history of injuries or accidents.
If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD or ADD, you'll need to consult a counselor or psychologist who can teach coping strategies and provide behavior modification techniques. This will help them learn to manage their symptoms and live an active life without medication. It's important for parents to also seek counseling to better be aware of the condition and assist their children.
Your child can benefit from regular exercise along with a healthy diet and counseling. They'll require plenty of positive reinforcement and love and structure. Avoid giving too much negative feedback to your child, as it can cause them to be more open. Make sure you spend time with your child every day and strive for a good relationship. It is easier to handle challenges in parenting children with ADHD if both parents have a strong bond. There are also online resources for parents and teachers that provide advice on dealing with children with ADHD. Beware of sites that focus on dangerous or untested remedies, as they may be in conflict with your child's medical doctor's recommendations.