Does My Child Have ADD or ADHD?

Diagnosing ADD and ADHD is something that only a competent medical professional should do, but there are some signs that may indicate that your child should be tested.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Does my child often not appear to be paying attention even when being spoken to?

• Does my child have a difficult time staying seated when it is required?
• Does my child find it difficult to remain focused on homework or other tasks and activities?

• Does my child often misplace things?
• Does my child often seem to be fidgeting?

• Does my child blurt out answers before the question is finished being asked?
• Does my child talk a lot even when there is nothing to say?

• Does my child frequently move on to a new task before the current one is complete?

• Does not pay attention to details?

• Does not follow through when given directions?

Any one of these behaviors is not indicative of a child who has ADD or ADHD, but if you answered yes to more than six of the questions then you may consider getting your child tested.

What happens when my child is tested for ADD and ADHD?

Typically the parents are given a questionnaire that they fill out prior to coming in to visit with the doctor. This questionnaire is meant to help the doctor make a correct diagnosis. This questionnaire is usually several pages long and asks questions about specific behavior patterns as well as outside events in the child’s life that may contribute to the problem. It is best to answer this questionnaire completely and truthfully so a correct diagnosis can be made.

What are the treatment options?

The method in which you treat your child is entirely up to you, the parent. You doctor will likely recommend treatment with some form of medicine. But there are also alternative or natural remedies and treatment options available; the bottom line is that you should only follow a treatment plan that you have researched thoroughly and that you feel comfortable with.

Some conventional and alternative methods are as follows:

• Prescription medicine from your child’s doctor

• Therapy that can help your child learn the necessary skills to succeed

• Reduction or elimination of television which is often attributed to the behavior

• Taking natural supplements such as fish oil or flax seeds

• Doing nothing if the symptoms are mild.

What ever you chose, remember that the internet is full of countless support groups of parents who have and are currently dealing with the same situation as you are. Search them out and get fully informed so you can make the best decision for you and especially your child.