An ADHD diagnosis is suspected after parents or the teacher observes particular behaviors. I think it is best that awareness of the signs of ADHD is important.
If your child at home seems to be doing or saying things without thinking, is irritable, and cannot sustain attention at play or performing daily tasks, it might be ADHD/ADD.
If you child seems to be in constant motion along with the other signs, it can also indicate this disorder. If your child has similar problems at school it could be ADHD. All kids act like this at various times. It is often the degree of intensity and how invasive the symptoms are at home and school that make the difference between normal and ADHD.
You can ask your child’s school to conduct testing on your child to determine if they are adhd child. You can also have it done privately and share the results with your child’s teacher and school. After a battery of tests, they will evaluate reasoning skills, attention, distractibility, and activity levels. The tests will also show your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Once a diagnosis has been made, an individual learning plan (IEP) will be put in place. Goals will be identified for both the teacher and your child to reach. These plans are periodically reviewed to be sure goals are being met. If not, the reason why not is sought.
Your doctor should complete a physical including any necessary blood work that might be needed. This is to rule out any other health condition that can cause ADHD like behaviors. Your doctor will prescribe any medication that might help ease the symptoms.
The most common medication is stimulant drugs. They work for about 75% of those who try them for ADHD. The question is how safe are they? The fact is that stimulants have dangerous side effects.
They are very addictive and there is great potential for their abuse. Your child might have sleeplessness, depression, irritability, and not much of an appetite as usual. They will, with long term use, be more apt to suffer depression and substance abuse issues.
There are natural supplements available that are not only very safe but very effective as well. Herbs, vitamins, and minerals are around that are known to be of specific benefit in relieving the signs and symptoms of ADHD
