Recognising ADHD in Children
Recognising ADHD in Children...
|
Recognising ADHD symptoms and characteristics in children is not an easy process.
There is no blood test or x-ray that can quickly and easily diagnose children with ADHD.
In fact, diagnosing children with ADHD is a process which should only be done by an experienced healthcare provider.
Behaviours associated with ADHD can actually be caused by other medical conditions. Parents who have any concerns about their child's health should discuss the matter with their doctor.
If there are concerns that a child may have ADHD, parents should insist on a full ADHD assessment performed by an experienced health care provider which includes a complete medical examination.
Checklists which describe symptoms of children with ADHD can raise red flags in terms of child's need for testing, but checklists are not designed as a diagnosis.
Parents should be aware that teachers, school administrators and childcare providers utilizing checklists are not qualified to diagnose ADHD.
Extreme Behaviours Associated with ADHD in Children
Many children can be described as full of energy, with a short attention span. Behaviours associated with children with ADHD are considered extreme, to the point where they cannot be ignored.
Behaviours are not considered to be age appropriate and they cannot be explained by a change in the child's life, such as a divorce or a family move.
The length of behaviours associated with children with ADHD is also an important factor.
Symptoms of children with ADHD appear before the child reaches age 7, and are prevalent for years. These behaviours also affect a child in more than one setting; such as at school and at home.
Recognising the Differences of ADHD in Children
It is also important for parents to understand that children with ADHD are not all the same.
The ADHD spectrum can affect each ADHD child differently. While some children have ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive- Impulsive Type, other children have ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Type. And some children have ADHD Combined Type.
The symptoms of a child with inattentive ADHD may not be as obvious, as these children are typically not as active or as disruptive as children with ADHD Hyperactive Impulsive type. In fact the large majority of girls with ADHD have Inattentive Type.
Treating ADHD in Children
Because ADHD is a medical condition causing a chemical imbalance in the child's brain, medication can affectively counteract that chemical imbalance and improve ADHD behaviour in children.
Prescribed medication, such as Ritalin, Focalin, Metadate and Dexedrine provides a stimulant for the child that allows the child to better focus and concentrate and also improves impulse control and lessens hyperactivity.
ADHD is also affectively treated with various psychological treatments, such as special education, social skills training, behaviour modification, and cognitive therapy.
Return from Recognizing ADHD in Children to ADD And ADHD Article Central Home Page
