How To Spot A Child With ADHD?
ADHD is one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood. Many adhd symptoms – hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattentiveness – are amplifications of normal childhood behavior. However, there are also symptoms in children that appear to run completely counter to the typical, hyperactive expectations of the condition.
This article discusses what ADHD is, how it manifests in kids, how to get a diagnosis and what kinds of treatment are available.
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is a chronic neurological condition. There is no clear understanding of the cause, although scientists believe there are a combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers that result in ADHD.
There are three different types of ADHD:
- Predominantly Inattentive Type,
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type,
- Combined Presentation (the most common of the three).
When a child is diagnosed with one of these three types, it does not mean they are fixed in that category; the symptoms can change over time.
ADHD diagnoses can be given to children five and older. An ADHD diagnosis is given to children who show six or more symptoms of inattention/hyperactivity on a regular basis for more than six months in at least two settings. In older children, doctors will ask about whether symptoms were present before the age of 12, as that is a criteria for this neurodevelopmental disorder.
A family physician will determine whether your child has ADHD, using standard guidelines developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. They will also conduct a physical exam, a medical history, psychological assessments and potentially a noninvasive brain scan.
Treatment options for ADHD include medication and behavioral interventions. The two approaches may be used in combination and, as your child responds, you may find yourself tweaking the different ingredients.
