| Conducting a proper ADHD evaluation is imperative for | | | | role in this. One reason to consider is public awareness. |
| an accurate diagnosis. Since genetics play a major | | | | Parents are becoming more educated in recognizing |
| role, clinicians agree that collecting a detailed family | | | | the early warning signs of the disorder. Teachers |
| history is a good starting point. The incidence of ADD | | | | nowadays are very astute to the symptoms and |
| in children rises significantly when one or both parents | | | | since more studies are done each year, clinicians are |
| have ADD. Because of this genetic connection, | | | | also becoming better informed. |
| obtaining a thorough history beginning with the | | | | Social Development |
| grandparents from both sides may prove remarkable | | | | When the ADD child enters school, their symptoms of |
| in an accurate diagnosis of this disorder. Once a | | | | ADD will become more pronounced. Keeping in close |
| diagnosis of ADD has been established, the various | | | | contact with the teachers and therapists is a |
| treatment modalities to aid in this disorder can be | | | | necessary component to evaluating a child with ADD. |
| pursued and discussed. | | | | They will be your primary source of information and a |
| Other Factors to Consider | | | | catalyst to additional treatment measures. Since a |
| Certain conditions may resemble the symptoms of | | | | school aged child is forced to become more organized |
| ADD. Therefore, other biological factors must be | | | | and focused during class, teachers will often pick up on |
| considered and eliminated. Conditions such as an | | | | problem areas early. They can also keep you informed |
| improper diets, insufficient exercise, toxic exposures, | | | | if certain treatments are effective. Before an ADD |
| drug abuse, and head injuries can often mimic these | | | | child begins school, it is always good practice to meet |
| symptoms. Psychological factors can also affect a | | | | their teachers and discuss your child's particular |
| child tremendously. | | | | situation. The teachers can be instrumental in assisting |
| The most basic needs of a child must be met from | | | | these children in a number of ways. They can place |
| the very beginning in order to ensure good | | | | their desks closer to the front of the class, they can |
| psychological development. Studies have shown that | | | | ensure that your child has his or her homework written |
| abused and neglected children will often have very | | | | down properly, and they can ascertain if the child has |
| similar symptoms of ADD. The child will be withdrawn | | | | the right books to take home with them. |
| and they have serious issues with self esteem. This | | | | The sooner the ADD child is evaluated and diagnosed |
| stems from the knowledge that all children need | | | | accurately, the faster treatment can begin. Whether |
| adequate brain stimulation for proper psycho - social | | | | you choose medication or a combination of medication |
| development. Otherwise, they have bouts of | | | | and behavioral modification, your child will benefit |
| depression and anxiety. They also develop negative | | | | greatly. They will gain the necessary self confidence |
| thinking and impulsiveness. Depriving a child from these | | | | by developing a level of acceptance from their peers |
| most basic human needs will cause severe emotional | | | | that is so important to them. They will soon realize that |
| and behavioral problems in the future. These factors | | | | the struggles they face everyday will lessen with the |
| must be ruled out first before a definitive diagnosis of | | | | establishment of daily routines, the consistent efforts |
| ADD can be made. | | | | by all parties involved, and the right treatment modality, |
| More and more children are being diagnosed with ADD | | | | will make all the difference in the world. |
| now then ever before. Several factors may play a | | | | |