What are the steps in determining if your child has ADD or ADHD?

Question

I have a 7 yr old son & has always had problems following directions, listening to teachers, not talking at quiet times, ect. I know kids will be kids, but when do you start to worry. I have made an appt w/ his prediatrician for next week, but I do not understand how they actually diagnosis this.

(And for those of you who think he just needs to be punished more - his father & I have tried everything in the book! )

Answer 1

I have ADHD and they diagnosed me by taking my blood, and kinda studying me with how I listen, take directions play with others stuff like that. now keep in mind this was in England and was 20 years ago. good luck. My mom kept me off the meds and taught me how to control it. you can do the same. it sucks yes. and it's not his fault. frustrating too yes. Good luck hon

Answer 2

You need to write a note to the principal that you would like your child evaluated.  (no child left behind law).  By law, if you do this, they have to evaluate him, at their expense.  If they find he has ADHD they will make up and IEP (individual education program) to suit his needs to make sure he gets the best education given his disability.  The pediatrician should recommend you to a psychiatrist for medications management, if that is what your son needs.  I guess the pediatrician could prescribe medicines, but my daughter gets hers from child psychiatrist (she also started when she was 7).  It is not worth having your child get in trouble in school if he can't help it because he is sick.  Get him evaluated, it will be best for everyone.  My doctor told me that I should be able to tell my daughter to do three tasks.  Ex. Get your clothes, brush your teeth, get dressed.  They should be able to do three things, my daughter can't do any.  The evaluation involves questions about your childs behavior that you fill out, and the same ones for his teachers.  Then he will have a psychological exam, and educational to make sure there are no learning disabilities.  Its pretty simple.

Answer 3

You need to talk to your pediatrician about a reccomendation for a diagnostician. My sister went to one outside of school, but most schools have one. Then, once the diagnostician has done tests to confirm, you'll have to go back to the ped to get medications. It's a bit tedious at first, because some meds dont work as good as others and its pretty much trial and error. No worries though, because once you've got the meds figured out, you child will do much better in school and at home. it's worth it.

Answer 4

First and foremost, the child needs a thorough psychiatric evaluation, this can't be diagnosed by the pediatrician.

Answer 5

Take it from someone who actually has been diagnosed with this... All that they will do is give you papers and then you bring them home and you and whoever sees him often (including teachers) fills out the forms and then you bring them back to get "graded". Once they are "graded" then the doctor will tell you whether or not your son has this disorder. If in fact he does have the disorder then I highly recommend putting him on Concerta or Vyvanse. I take Vyvanse... These medications are designed for children therefore the harsh side effects are lessened immensely. Even though I am 13 I know alot about ADD/ADHD so please feel free to e-mail me.

Answer 6

Cancel the pediatric appointment and take him to a child psychiatrist.  Do NOT mention ADD when you go in.  Let the Dr. figure out what's wrong.

Also, one key thing that most people with ADD have in common is that they wet the bed a lot longer than normal.  I didn't stop until I was about 8.