There are many children who are undiagnosed and many children who are too often labeled incorrectly with ADHD.
Signs
These signs must be present in more than one setting.
- Six attention symptoms or 6 hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms and they must be present before age 7.
- The symptoms must not be caused by another problem and must be present for 6 months and seen in two or more settings, for example, school and home.
- These symptoms need to be severe enough to cause difficulties in many settings, including relationships with peers.
- Questionnaires for parent and teacher, such as Burks or Connors
- IQ testing and psychological testing of family and child
- A complete exam of mental, nutritional, physical, developmental and psychosocial
Treatment
It is important to provide a partnership between the health care provider, parents, or caregivers, and the child.
Guide therapy with specific, appropriate target goals
- Behavior therapy
- Medication
- Follow up regularly with doctor
- Make sure the child does have ADHD, make sure there is no other similar symptoms, and always follow the treatment plan if treatment is not working.
Children may have stressful feelings related to ADHD and talk therapy may help both the child and family understand and gain control. To help guide a child's behavior parents should use a reward system and punishment consequences. The child's teacher is another important resource, make sure you communicate regularly with the child's teacher. Be consistent in your daily routines, this also means limiting distractions in the child's environment. Enough sleep, healthy diet, consistent rules and reward system are also more helpful treatment tips.
Source: NCBI
