subject: Symptoms Of ADHD - When To Get Your Child Tested So That You Know The Truth [print this page] Symptoms Of ADHD - When To Get Your Child Tested So That You Know The Truth
Did you know that the guidelines for the age range for diagnosing ADHD are about to be changed? Many experts now believe that ADHD can be discovered at quite a late age so they are recommending that the upper age limit should be fixed at eleven years, rather than seven which is the present limit. Actually symptoms of ADHD may well be present at a later age for various reasons which are too complicated to explain here.
Most of the symptoms of ADHD are well known. Depending on which type of ADHD, the signs are numerous and usually if they are interfering with the child's home, social and school life, then help should be sought to get a proper diagnosis.
Research now shows that it is much more likely that signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity may appear first and signs of attention and concentration problems will manifest themselves later on. There is also the fact to bear in mind that inattention is certainly less noticeable than a child jumping off a high wall! Normally fidgeting, restlessness, reckless behavior, disruptive behavior, aggressiveness and irritability may be noticeable.
But when should you get your child properly tested and how do you know that this is not just normal bad child behavior? Normally the age of three or four is too early to seek a diagnosis. Usually parents are advised to wait until the child is six or seven. By that time, it should be fairly obvious if the symptoms of ADHD are interfering with home and school life.
The child's teacher may flag up the problem but that is all she is entitled and legally expected to do. She cannot recommend treatment or even confirm the diagnosis. That is the doctor's or child psychologist's job to do that. But I have heard of teachers insisting that children with ADHD (or supposedly with ADHD) be given Ritalin and other psychostimulants. That sort of advice should be totally ignored.
Once an ADHD diagnosis had been confirmed by a qualified professional, it will be time to think of treatment and the first in line should always be managing child behavior. Medication, whether with psychostimulants or homeopathy can come later and can help sometimes with some of the symptoms of ADHD and make your life bearable again.
