So many children are diagnosed with ADHD that it seems to have become an epidemic! Realize that if you suspect that your child has ADD or ADHD you need to have a qualified specialist give your child a thorough examination.
It is very important to find a doctor with specific training and experience in diagnosing and treating ADHD.
The first signs of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Symptoms appear early on in the child's life and because symptoms vary a great deal it is not easy to diagnose.
There are three category types of ADHD signs; o Hyperactive-impulsive type that shows insignificant inattention.
These kids are always in motion, touching and playing and talking continually.
Sitting still during dinner or a class is difficult.
Teenagers or adults with ADHD of this type are very restless, need to stay "busy" or do many things at one time.
o Inattentive type that shows insignificant hyperactive-impulsive behavior sometimes called ADD.
These children can not control immediate reactions.
They do not think before they act and display their emotions without regard for consequences.
Inattentive kids can't keep their minds on any one thing and get bored easily unless they are doing something they get pleasure from.
These children are seldom impulsive or hyperactive and appear daydreaming, slow moving and lethargic.
o Combined type that displays both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
Feeling restless, often fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming while seated.
Running, climbing, or leaving a seat in situations where sitting or quiet behavior is expected, such as a class.
Blurting out answers before hearing the whole question and having difficulty waiting in line or taking turns.
Just because a child has ADHD telltale signs such as symptoms of hyperactivity, inattentiveness, or impulsivity does not mean they have ADHD.
Most children sometimes blurt out things they didn't mean to say, or jump from one task to another, or become disorganized and forgetful, so how can a doctor tell if the problem is ADHD? The doctor must determine whether the child's behavior is appropriate for the age of the child.
The behavior must appear before age 7 and continue for a minimum of 6 months.
If a child gets along well in the classroom with friendships and does well at home this child would not be diagnosed with ADHD.
In diagnosing ADHD signs a doctor wants to know whether the child's behaviors are excessive, long-term or pervasive.
Most doctors believe that a child shouldn't receive a diagnosis of ADHD unless the symptoms of ADHD appear early in life and create significant problems at home and at school on an ongoing basis.