How to Help Children With ADHD
Determine if your child has inattentive symptoms of ADHD., Determine if your child has hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD., Assess if your child has Combined ADHD., Get a diagnosis from a mental health professional., Ask your child’s mental...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Determine if your child has inattentive symptoms of ADHD.
In order to qualify for a diagnosis, children aged 16 and under must exhibit at least six symptoms in more than one setting, for at least six months.
Symptoms must be inappropriate for the person’s developmental level and be seen as interrupting normal functioning in social or school settings.
Symptoms for ADHD (inattentive presentation) include:
Makes careless mistakes, is inattentive to detail Has trouble paying attention (tasks, playing) Doesn’t seem to be paying attention when someone is talking to him Doesn’t follow through (homework, chores, jobs); easily sidetracked Is organizationally challenged Avoids tasks requiring sustained focus (like schoolwork) Can’t keep track of or often loses keys, glasses, papers, tools, etc.
Is easily distracted Is forgetful -
Step 2: Determine if your child has hyperactive/impulsive symptoms of ADHD.
Some symptoms must be at the level of “disruptive” for them to count in a diagnosis.
Track if your child has at least six symptoms in more than one setting, for at least six months:
Fidgety, squirmy; taps hands or feet Feels restless, running or climbing inappropriately Struggles to play quietly/do quiet activities “On the go” as if “driven by a motor” Excessive talking Blurts out even before questions are asked Struggles to wait for his turn Interrupts others, inserts self into others’ discussions/games , If your child has six symptoms from either category, he or she may have Combined presentation of ADHD. , As you determine your child’s level of ADHD, seek the guidance of a mental health professional to make an official diagnosis.
This person will also be able to determine whether your child’s symptoms can be better explained by or attributable to another mental or psychotic disorder. , As if having an ADHD diagnosis isn’t challenging enough, one out of every five with ADHD is diagnosed with another serious disorder (depression and bipolar disorder are common partners).
One-third of children with ADHD also have a behavioral disorder (conduct disorder, oppositional defiance disorder).
ADHD tends to pair up with learning disabilities and anxiety, too.Talk with your doctor or mental health professional about other disorders or conditions that might have symptoms that are similar to ADHD. -
Step 3: Assess if your child has Combined ADHD.
-
Step 4: Get a diagnosis from a mental health professional.
-
Step 5: Ask your child’s mental health professional about other disorders.
Detailed Guide
In order to qualify for a diagnosis, children aged 16 and under must exhibit at least six symptoms in more than one setting, for at least six months.
Symptoms must be inappropriate for the person’s developmental level and be seen as interrupting normal functioning in social or school settings.
Symptoms for ADHD (inattentive presentation) include:
Makes careless mistakes, is inattentive to detail Has trouble paying attention (tasks, playing) Doesn’t seem to be paying attention when someone is talking to him Doesn’t follow through (homework, chores, jobs); easily sidetracked Is organizationally challenged Avoids tasks requiring sustained focus (like schoolwork) Can’t keep track of or often loses keys, glasses, papers, tools, etc.
Is easily distracted Is forgetful
Some symptoms must be at the level of “disruptive” for them to count in a diagnosis.
Track if your child has at least six symptoms in more than one setting, for at least six months:
Fidgety, squirmy; taps hands or feet Feels restless, running or climbing inappropriately Struggles to play quietly/do quiet activities “On the go” as if “driven by a motor” Excessive talking Blurts out even before questions are asked Struggles to wait for his turn Interrupts others, inserts self into others’ discussions/games , If your child has six symptoms from either category, he or she may have Combined presentation of ADHD. , As you determine your child’s level of ADHD, seek the guidance of a mental health professional to make an official diagnosis.
This person will also be able to determine whether your child’s symptoms can be better explained by or attributable to another mental or psychotic disorder. , As if having an ADHD diagnosis isn’t challenging enough, one out of every five with ADHD is diagnosed with another serious disorder (depression and bipolar disorder are common partners).
One-third of children with ADHD also have a behavioral disorder (conduct disorder, oppositional defiance disorder).
ADHD tends to pair up with learning disabilities and anxiety, too.Talk with your doctor or mental health professional about other disorders or conditions that might have symptoms that are similar to ADHD.
About the Author
Joshua Morales
Professional writer focused on creating easy-to-follow lifestyle tutorials.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: