The Process of ADHD Diagnosis

Why is ADHD Has Only Just Become Prevalent?that may be contributing to the child's difficulties. Further
Introduction of new health policies and guidelines meantspecialist assessments focusing on specific problems
that people have a right to information concerning theirmay be recommended such as speech and language,
health. They raised an emphasis on the expectationphysical therapy, occupational therapy, psychology,
that every child has a need and right to opportunitiespsychiatrist, audiology, as well as ophthalmology. The
that will help them reach their optimal potential in theirpediatrician would normally give an expert opinion on
physical mental and social development. One of thewhich assessments would be necessary.
emphases has been on the process of gainingDevelopmental Assessment:
consent and the child protection act. People are nowThis assessment focuses on the child's motor
taking the responsibility of their health more than everdevelopment. Standardized and non-standardized tests
before. The combination of these awareness have ledas well as clinical observations of a child's
to more people aware and wanting to know moreperformance and behavior may be administered by
about what their children are suffering from. Therelevant professionals. The assessment determines
knowledge gained in the process gives parents insightwhich skills the child may be experiencing a
to deal and cope with their child's needs.developmental delay. The skills include fine motor,
What Should You Expect From The Assessmentgross motor, sensory processing and modulation,
Process of Diagnosing ADHDlanguage, social, emotional and intellectual skills.
Reaching a diagnosis of such condition requiresPsycho-Educational Assessment:
commitment from a combination of appropriate healthThis is an assessment consisting of psychological and
professionals and the parents to gather as muchacademic assessment. The assessment is designed
information as its possible about the child' s presentingto establish the child's intellectual and educational
problems. It is therefore important to note that thisachievement levels. One of the familiar tests you may
process will not take place overnight. Usually a seriesrecognize is IQ (Intelligent Quotient) test. The
of assessments are carried out to help build aassessment establishes how brain processing
concrete diagnosis of ADHD.information impacts on school learning.
There are five essential assessments that must beCognitive Assessment:
carried out.This assessment is carried out mainly by a qualified
Medical Assessment:psychologist. It is a process used to determine the
This assessment is usually carried out by achild's cognitive strength and weakness. Assessment
Pediatrician. The Pediatrician gathers a full medical andtests primarily use pen and paper tasks as well as
any family history that is necessary. Relevantobservation of child's behavior to assess abilities in
neurological examinations may be carried out tomemory, attention and concentration, language skills,
ensure that there is no nervous function abnormalityproblem solving skills, memory and intellectual function.