I think my daughter may have ADD. How does a psychologist diaognose ADD?

Question

Also can any one recommend any good books or websites?

Answer 1

ADD first and foremost is a controversial issue. I for one is against using medication to treat ADD.

ADD medication has very dangerous side effects.

Many people consider ADD as a stumbling block, which is very much unfair to the children.

ADD Kids are BRIGHT Kids. Please treat them with respect and lots and lots of patience.

Also they are not chair and desk type. They are more reading on the sofa or doing work standing up! (on their feet). Hey as long as they are learning!

Hope this help.

Answer 2

People are diagnosed with ADD if they meet the list of criteria most pshychologists use for diagnosing ADD/ADHD.  I believe there is a list of like 10 things and if your child is observed to have a consistancy in displaying 7 of the 10 symptoms the possibility is there.  There should also be other evaluations done by psychologist to determine possible presence of other issues like learning diability, emotional disability, cognitive or processing problems, etc. I would talk to her school counselor/principal and request she be evaluated or M-Teamed (multidisciplinary team) (it's the law and costs you nothing) and also, ask for names of doctors/therapists they recommend that specialize in ADD/ADHD.  Not sure who the author is but, Driven to Distraction is a good read regarding ADD/ADHD and ADDitude is a good magazine(online) that will email you regularly with news and information.  CHADD is another great organization which can provide support and information to parents with ADHD kids.  Please check your local phone book or online for the chapter nearest you and attend.  What you learn is amazing and education and patience are indeed the keys to raising a child with ADD/ADHD!  Good Luck!

Answer 3

I found this website before I took my son to be tested. I really found the answers to my questions here. When I finally decided to have him tested he was 8 & we just made an appointment with his regular pediatrician. It wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be, all I had to do was call & explain what I wanted the appointment for, they took care of the rest at the appointment.