What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty paying attention and/or hyperactive/impulsive behaviors that interfere with daily functioning or development. It is normal for children to have trouble focusing at one time or another, however for children with ADHD these symptoms continue, and can cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends.
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What are the types of ADHD?
There are three different types of ADHD:
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Predominately Inattentive presentation is characterized by difficulty paying attention to details, focusing, or listening to instructions or conversations.
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Predominately hyperactive/impulsive presentation is characterized by overactivity, difficulty remaining seated, talking excessively, interrupting, blurting out, or difficulty taking turns.
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Combined presentation is characterized by significant symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity
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How do you diagnose ADHD?
Determining if a child has ADHD can be difficult because there is no single test that can diagnose ADHD, and many other problems, like anxiety, depression, sleep problems, autism spectrum disorders, and certain types of learning disorders, can have similar symptoms. Since children can act differently depending on the person and setting, best practice for evaluating children with ADHD involves completing a comprehensive evaluation.
Evaluation of ADHD might include the following components:
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Diagnostic interview that includes developmental history and review of current concerns
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Cognitive testing
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Testing of executive functioning
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Social, emotional, and behavioral questionnaires completed by parents and caregiver
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Social, emotional, and behavioral questionnaires completed by the teacher and other service providers
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Interview with teachers and other service providers
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School observation
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You will be provided with a comprehensive written report with results, summary, DMS-V or medical diagnosis, recommendations for eligibility for school services, recommendations for parents, and recommendations for services in the community.
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What do I do if I think my child has ADHD?
Contact our office to schedule your initial diagnostic interview. We will determine if an evaluation would be appropriate for your child.
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