how is a child diagnosed for ADHD?

Question

Also: is it the parent that notices that something is wrong or perhaps the teacher? Does the parent need to get a referral if they want to make an appointment with a medical professional to test their child for ADHD?

Answer 1

That is a good question. It's usually the teacher who notices(and that's not necessarily a good thing to mistaken a teacher for a doctor), and they'll request him/her be tested by a list of criteria to checkoff. I do not think there needs to be a referral-sometimes there may be. However, know that many teachers and even health professionals are quick to diagnose and many times a child is diagnosed as ADHD when they're not. Even if it is a actual illness, it's becoming more and more of a way of convenience to start chemically designing children to be compliant. Especially since ADHD is not to be diagnosed until at least adolescence, the norm today diagnoses children as young as two. Therefore, it is very hard to distinguish between what constitutes as normal behavior of a boisterous child and what constitutes as abnormal. There have been cases of apparently overstressed children whose parents have been referred to a psychiatrist to put them on pills.

To define someone as ADHD is too broad and vague. People with ADHD usually exhibit aggressiveness, impulsitivity, and inability to pay attention or keep still. Whether or not ADHD is true, it is too broad of a medical terminology that lacks basis since many of the criteria for ADHD can be exhibited by just about anyone that brings to question whether it's an illness or human nature to have so much of an attention span(you'd be surprised the average attention span is quite low). Some of the criteria is just ridiculous in addition to pointing out a psychoactive disorder when symptoms of hyperactivity can appear due to other underlying health or environmental problems. In today's hectic society with much stress, can children be accurately diagnosed with such a disorder when they are expected to sit still for long hours? When they are overstressed? Which by developmentally they cannot do nor can cope with. Nor can they act with good impulse and judgement, that they are to be considered naturally active and immature as part of childhood.

In nearly any book or medical journal, little to none actually states what is the direct cause of ADHD other than that it is a "neurological disorder" which is not viable to begin diagnosing so many numbers based on such a general term and cause before knowing the direct causes.

Answer 2

There are many other learning disabilities and, occasionally, medical problems that "mask" themselves as ADD/ADHD. It doesn't help that school officials -- who are not doctors -- are often quick to offer this "diagnosis" to parents and to push for medication.

My son was wrongly diagnosed with ADHD. (The neurologist recanted the diagnosis after it was discovered that a learning disability was frustrating him and causing the "attention problems.") The medication was a nightmare. My happy, sunny child became morose and noncommunicative; he could also barely sleep most nights. (To the credit of the teacher he had at the time, she called me and expressed concern that he had been misdiagnosed, and about the effect the medication was having on him. Thank goodness she spoke up!)

If you're concerned, you're better off with a neurologist than a pediatrician, because the brain is the neurologist's specialty. (My pediatrician strongly recommended this at the time.) Whether you'll need a referral will depend on your insurance. I know I needed one. Good luck!

Answer 3

For one, there has to be at least two different sources saying that the child is showing signs of ADHD. ie parent, daycare worker, teacher etc. Seeing your child's regular physician about it first and then probably getting a referral to a specialist. I have gone through this with my son. Hang in there, it can be and probably will be, a long and winding road.

Answer 4

Here is a great book on the subject of ADD/ADHD. (In this book, it gives many good (and better!) testing options. The test he suggests are far more accurate than the general tests and questionaires most psychologists/psychiatrists use.
In The ADD Answer, Dr. Frank Lawlis draws upon his thirty-five years of experience as a clinical and research psychologist to show parents how they can reclaim their central role in healing their children with comprehensive step-by-step advice on dealing with the problems of ADD. His approach blends the latest medical, nutritional, and psychological treatments that can increase brain function with expert insight into the emotional—and spiritual—support kids need.
**Including assessment tests geared to help parents understand their child’s particular needs and practical information on proven treatment options, The ADD Answer explores:
• The role of nutrition in treating the disorder
• The positive effects of counseling and goal setting
• Advances in the field of biofeedback
• The importance of sleep, and much more

If you need a referal, that all depends on your insurance company.
Please read this book before you agree to medicate your child. My sister (now 24), my brother (now 19), and my daughter (now 8) were all misdiagnosed with either ADD or ADHD. They were given medicine (very similar to speed) for years that they did not need. Everyone is so quick to label a kids with ADD or ADHD. You child could not be getting a good nights sleep, have a food allergy, intaking too much sugar/carbs, etc. Eliminate all the other possibilites before using medication.

Answer 5

Totally agree with Mum of 3's answer. It's WAY more than a checklist done by a teacher or doctor, though it's usually the teacher who notices things first. Then it can go on to testing by the school or division psychologist, but you need WAY more testing and information than that.
The book by Dr. Lawliss is amazing.

Answer 6

No you dont need a referal just take them to the doctor tell them and they can tell practicly by what you tell them they do like if they talk alot dont listen really hiper they can probley tell Hope it helped

Answer 7

you go to the childs regular doctor and they will send you to see a therapist that can diagnose this

teacher often notice it first