How to Deal With ADHD Kids
Determine if your child has symptoms of inattentive ADHD presentation., Determine if your child has symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD presentation., Determine if your child has combination presentation ADHD., Get a diagnosis from a mental...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Determine if your child has symptoms of inattentive ADHD presentation.
There are three types of presentations of ADHD.
In order to qualify for a diagnosis, children aged 16 and under must exhibit at least six symptoms in more than one setting, for at least six months.
Symptoms must be inappropriate for the person’s developmental level and be seen as interrupting normal functioning in social or school settings.
Symptoms for ADHD (inattentive presentation) include:
Makes careless mistakes, is inattentive to detail Has trouble paying attention (tasks, playing) Doesn’t seem to be paying attention when someone is talking to her or him Doesn’t follow through (homework, chores, jobs); easily sidetracked Is organizationally challenged Avoids tasks requiring sustained focus (like schoolwork) Can’t keep track of or often loses keys, glasses, papers, tools, etc.
Is easily distracted Is forgetful -
Step 2: Determine if your child has symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD presentation.
Some symptoms must be at the level of “disruptive” for them to count in a diagnosis.
Track if your child has at least six symptoms in more than one setting, for at least six months:
Fidgety, squirmy; taps hands or feet Feels restless, running or climbing inappropriately Struggles to play quietly/do quiet activities “On the go” as if “driven by a motor” Excessive talking Blurts out even before questions are asked Struggles to wait for their turn Interrupts others, inserts self into others’ discussions/games , The third presentation of ADHD is when the subject meets criteria to qualify for both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive criteria of ADHD.
If your child has six symptoms from either category, he or she may have a combined presentation of ADHD.
If you are unsure of your child's behavior, ask other adults and friends of your child.
For example, your child's friends, friends' parents, teacher, or sports coach.
Educators and childcare professionals might have more context for your child's behavior because they have worked with so many children. , As you determine your child’s level of ADHD, seek the guidance of a mental health professional to make an official diagnosis.
This person will also be able to determine whether your child’s symptoms can be better explained by or attributable to another psychiatric disorder. , Talk with your doctor or mental health professional about other disorders or conditions that might have symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
As if having an ADHD diagnosis isn’t challenging enough, one out of every five with ADHD is diagnosed with another serious disorder (depression and bipolar disorder are common partners).
One-third of children with ADHD also have a behavioral disorder (conduct disorder, oppositional defiance disorder).
ADHD tends to pair up with learning disabilities and anxiety, too. -
Step 3: Determine if your child has combination presentation ADHD.
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Step 4: Get a diagnosis from a mental health professional.
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Step 5: Ask your child’s mental health professional about other disorders.
Detailed Guide
There are three types of presentations of ADHD.
In order to qualify for a diagnosis, children aged 16 and under must exhibit at least six symptoms in more than one setting, for at least six months.
Symptoms must be inappropriate for the person’s developmental level and be seen as interrupting normal functioning in social or school settings.
Symptoms for ADHD (inattentive presentation) include:
Makes careless mistakes, is inattentive to detail Has trouble paying attention (tasks, playing) Doesn’t seem to be paying attention when someone is talking to her or him Doesn’t follow through (homework, chores, jobs); easily sidetracked Is organizationally challenged Avoids tasks requiring sustained focus (like schoolwork) Can’t keep track of or often loses keys, glasses, papers, tools, etc.
Is easily distracted Is forgetful
Some symptoms must be at the level of “disruptive” for them to count in a diagnosis.
Track if your child has at least six symptoms in more than one setting, for at least six months:
Fidgety, squirmy; taps hands or feet Feels restless, running or climbing inappropriately Struggles to play quietly/do quiet activities “On the go” as if “driven by a motor” Excessive talking Blurts out even before questions are asked Struggles to wait for their turn Interrupts others, inserts self into others’ discussions/games , The third presentation of ADHD is when the subject meets criteria to qualify for both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive criteria of ADHD.
If your child has six symptoms from either category, he or she may have a combined presentation of ADHD.
If you are unsure of your child's behavior, ask other adults and friends of your child.
For example, your child's friends, friends' parents, teacher, or sports coach.
Educators and childcare professionals might have more context for your child's behavior because they have worked with so many children. , As you determine your child’s level of ADHD, seek the guidance of a mental health professional to make an official diagnosis.
This person will also be able to determine whether your child’s symptoms can be better explained by or attributable to another psychiatric disorder. , Talk with your doctor or mental health professional about other disorders or conditions that might have symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
As if having an ADHD diagnosis isn’t challenging enough, one out of every five with ADHD is diagnosed with another serious disorder (depression and bipolar disorder are common partners).
One-third of children with ADHD also have a behavioral disorder (conduct disorder, oppositional defiance disorder).
ADHD tends to pair up with learning disabilities and anxiety, too.
About the Author
Janet Butler
Writer and educator with a focus on practical creative arts knowledge.
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