Is it time for an ADHD Assessment? Signs That Your Child May Need Testing

 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, also known as ADHD is an issue that affects millions of youth worldwide, with symptoms often persisting into adulthood. Recognizing the warning signs and implementing a treatment plan at a young age can alleviate symptoms and help with early cognitive development. Symptoms frequently appear before the age of 12, at times can even start showing at the age of 3. ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in boys, who tend to have different symptoms than their female counterparts. While ADHD is most commonly associated with attention issues and impulsivity “Children with ADHD may also struggle with low self-esteem, troubled relationships and poor performance in school” (Mayo Clinic, 2019). These symptoms manifest in unique ways in children, with kids often displaying different signs.When evaluating whether your child matches these descriptions, it's important to consider any predisposing risk factors they may have.

One thing to take into account is that ADHD can be hereditary “ADHD tends to run in families. Many parents of children with ADHD had symptoms of ADHD when they were younger. The condition is often found in brothers and sisters within the same family” (Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, n.d.). Things such as substance abuse during pregnancy or a low birth weight may also raise your child's risk of developing ADHD. Although a child who demonstrates some of the symptoms of ADHD may have the disorder, it is important to remember that symptoms can also occur due to other factors. 

The Risks of ADHD Misdiagnosis

With ADHD diagnosis becoming increasingly common worldwide, it is important to make sure your child gets properly evaluated over multiple tests by qualified professionals. Despite extensive and ongoing research into ADHD in adolescents, much is still to be discovered. A current problem that has arisen in ADHD diagnosis is that “Much behavior consistent with ADHD, including inattention, impulsivity, and overactivity, may be normal for the developmental age of a preschooler” (PubMedCentral, 2021).

Men are approximately three times more likely to be diagnosed than women, highlighting how social norms, symptom presentation, and societal expectations can influence and potentially skew ADHD diagnoses. With rising rates of diagnosis, these problems have given way to concern and the harmful effects of potential misdiagnosis. Studies have found data that shows “Evidence of ADHD overdiagnosis and overtreatment in children and adolescents” (PubMed, 2015). A wrongful diagnosis may lead to children facing unneeded medical intervention and families experiencing unnecessary financial strain due to the growing influence of pharmaceutical companies.

How Do You Seek A Proper Diagnosis?

Taking the proper measures can ensure that your child receives a proper diagnosis and a thorough treatment plan that sets them up for success. The first step is to reach out to your healthcare provider and see if anything worries them. The healthcare provider can do an evaluation themselves or send you to a specialist. If your kid is struggling in school, you can also  seek an educational assessment. The assessment will then be conducted to determine the root cause of your child's symptoms. The evaluation should be done holistically, and investigate your “Child's behavior at home, at school, and in activities like sports or scouting. It will include information from parents or guardians, childcare providers, teachers, other school personnel, or other mental health clinicians who are involved in the child’s care” (CHADD, 2020).

After the initial assessment, various tests may be conducted including rating scales, neuropsychological assessments, and mood/personality tests. While the specific tests administered may vary depending on the case, it is crucial to ensure that a range of tests are performed when seeking a diagnosis for your child. When seeking treatment, it's also important to verify what your insurance will cover.

3 Ways to Be There For Your Kids!

1: Be Involved: Learn more about ADHD and witness firsthand how your child's symptoms are affecting their life. Understanding the process of getting a diagnosis will allow your child to be placed in a situation best conducive to them succeeding. Create a safe environment for a child where they feel safe and understood. This will allow your child to feel less alone and be more open to sharing their experiences with their symptoms.

2: Help Them Manage Their Emotions: Undergoing extensive testing can be emotionally stressful for a child. It's important to validate their feelings and provide as much support as possible throughout the process. Your presence will help them feel more comfortable and calm as the process unfolds.

3: Focus On Their Strengths: It is important to teach your child that an ADHD diagnosis does not determine who they are. THEY ARE SO MUCH MORE! Make sure to focus on their talents, interests, and strengths while they go through this difficult process.