We are all conscious of child learning development but when we see that our children are having a hard time keeping up with his/her peers due to lack of focus, tires everyone out day and night, and is destructive at times, it can ring an alarm. Your child should have optimum child brain development at this time and ADHD may be holding him/her back.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or more commonly referred to as ADHD, is a condition among children, and even adults, wherein they find it difficult to concentrate or focus on tasks. They tend to get easily bored or frustrated, become impulsive, and move constantly.
What You Need to Know
It is important for you to realize that there is not one ultimate test for getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD. There are different tests available and your child may have to be subjected to a battery of medical, physical and psychological tests in order to determine his/her current state.
You also need to know that ADHD also coexists with other conditions such as hyperactivity, learning disabilities, child brain development problems, anxiety and depression. Just because your child shows indications of such conditions does not mean s/he has it. A thorough assessment is essential in making a diagnosis.
Important Questions When Diagnosing ADHD
Your doctor may ask these questions so you have to be ready with your answers during the assessment period:
- How do the symptoms affect your child’s quality of life?
- When did your child start to show signs and symptoms?
- How long have the signs and symptoms been affecting your child and your family?
- When and where do the signs and symptoms happen?
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD
There are three primary characteristics of ADHD in children: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Different levels of ADHD depend on the severity and dominance of each of the three characteristics.
In general, children can be very active and easily distractible. However, as we go through child learning development, children, most often those who are in preschool, learn to pay attention and sit quietly when asked to, and self regulate what they want to say or do. So if your child has reached school age but still has problems such as inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, then your child may have ADHD.
Your Role as a Parent
When you decide on getting a diagnosis for your child, it is important that you provide the best possible support that you can give as a parent. Be the emotional support that your child needs. Be open about your child’s history and current state. Provide helpful information to the doctors to achieve an accurate diagnosis for your child. Consider working as a team with your doctor, your child’s teacher and your family in order to have the right diagnosis and the right treatment program.
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