How Can You Know If Your Child Has ADHD?
It's not easy to make an ADHD diagnosis. One reason is that children develop at different speeds. Another reason: there is no one test to identify ADHD. To make diagnosing it easier, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued guidelines.
An ADHD diagnosis is based on very specific symptoms, which must be present in more than one setting such as home, school, or in peer relationships.
- Children should have at least six attention symptoms or six hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms, with some symptoms present before age seven
- The symptoms must be present for at least six months, be seen in two or more settings, and not be caused by another problem
- The symptoms must be severe enough to cause significant difficulties in several settings, including home, school, and in relationships with peers
If you think your child may have ADHD, you should talk with a doctor. Their evaluation of your child may include:
- Interviews: With you, your child, and your child's teachers, are important to get a clearer picture of your child's behavior
- A family history: Because genes play a role in ADHD, any family history of behavioral/social problems may help with proper diagnosis
- Standardized Questionnaires: To be filled out by both you and your child's teachers. These questionnaires can be used to see the impact of what might be ADHD at home, at school, and in peer relationships