| Walk into a classroom; chances are one student has | | | | 3) Other considerations: Poor diet, emotional problems, |
| been diagnosed with ADHD. Fifteen years ago most | | | | and injury can foster symptoms of attention deficit |
| Americans had no clue about ADHD: today, over 5 | | | | disorder. Rule these out before making a diagnosis. |
| million children have been diagnosed with ADHD. | | | | Identifying and diagnosing attention deficit disorder |
| Attention deficit disorder symptoms mimic other | | | | symptoms, does not happen in one doctor's visit. |
| childhood behaviors or problems and parents need to | | | | Classroom observations should be made and if |
| know there are CLEAR guidelines used to diagnose | | | | symptoms are not obvious at home, a flag should be |
| attention disorder symptoms. | | | | raised. Behavioral modifications need to be attempted |
| Attention deficit disorder symptoms are classified into | | | | first and if symptoms cease, your child may not have |
| three categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and | | | | ADHD. |
| impulsivity. Symptoms specific to each classification | | | | Finally, if you are not comfortable with the process, |
| follow: | | | | you feel rushed or pressured into making a decision, or |
| Inattention: forgetfulness, boredom, incomplete | | | | your intuition says "it's something else", get a second |
| assignments, appearance of not listening, difficulty | | | | opinion. A non-school counselor or psychiatrist is a |
| following directions and focusing. | | | | good choice. |
| Hyperactivity: fidgeting, running around touching things, | | | | Counselors take time to listen and observe symptoms |
| always moving, constant talking and incapable of quiet | | | | recognized in your child, and will suggest options other |
| time. | | | | than medication to treat symptoms. Counselors will |
| Impulsivity: difficulty taking turns/waiting, impatient, blurts | | | | often suggest behavior modification plans, and can |
| out comments, interrupting, no restraint demonstrating | | | | provide parents with additional skills to help cope with |
| emotions. | | | | symptoms. |
| Every child I've ever met has exhibited at least one of | | | | In addition, they may suggest using herbal or |
| these symptoms growing up. How can you tell then if | | | | homeopathic remedies to alleviate symptoms. One |
| they really have ADHD or if they are just kids being | | | | great thing about homeopathic remedies is they can |
| kids? There are other factors that must be considered | | | | be given before a formal diagnosis is made. Because |
| before diagnosing ADHD. | | | | homeopathic remedies are completely safe and there |
| 1) Genetics: Research suggests ADHD is inherited. | | | | are no side effects, parents can feel comfortable |
| Check your family background: is there a history of | | | | giving them to their children. |
| ADHD behaviors or symptoms? | | | | Attention deficit disorder symptoms can also occur in |
| 2) Learning disabilities: Many attention deficit disorder | | | | other childhood conditions. Take time, get a second |
| symptoms are similar to those displayed with learning | | | | opinion if necessary, but most of all be comfortable in |
| disorders. | | | | the decision you make regarding your child's health. |