A diagnosis of ADHD in children is made when a child exhibits 6 or more of the symptoms listed in the American Academy of Pediatrics manual of guidelines – DSM-5. The symptoms of ADHD must have been present for 6 months or more in several settings to justify an ADHD diagnosis in a child.

ADHD Diagnosis in Children FAQ

What does an ADHD diagnosis mean for my child?

An ADHD diagnosis for your child means that he can now get the help that he needs to live his best possible life. Your ADHD child can now get the treatment and therapy that will make living with ADHD less challenging.

My child has been diagnosed with ADHD now what?

Following the diagnoses of ADHD in your child, you should talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options like medication, behavioral therapy, or alternative therapies. Parents should join a support group and get some parent training. You will have to meet with your child’s teachers to discuss support and classroom accommodations for ADHD pupils. It is important to discuss ADHD with your child. Let him understand how ADHD may affect him and how he can ask for help when he needs it.

ADHD assessment tools for child?

In addition to gathering information about your child; conducting in-depth interviews and giving your child a thorough physical examination, doctors have several ADHD assessment tools at their disposal. ADHD rating scales are given to adults in the child’s life so they can answer questions providing the doctor with information about how the child behaves in different settings. There are a few different kinds of rating scales including the Conners CBRS rating scale and the Vanderbilt rating scale.

Do kids grow out of ADHD?

Some children with ADHD appear to “grow out of” ADHD as the brain develops into adulthood. However, it is more common for the symptoms to present themselves in different ways as the child gets older. As a child grows up the challenges they face in life change and so symptoms that may have been extreme as a schoolchild may disappear as a teen. In the same way, symptoms may even get worse. A hyperactive child may grow up to be a restless adult.

Who can diagnose ADHD in my child?

Only a professional specifically trained in ADHD diagnosis can diagnose ADHD in your child. This may be your pediatrician, psychiatrist, GP, mental health professional, neurologist, or even a qualified psychologist or social worker.

Nursing diagnosis for ADHD child?

A clinical nurse specifically trained in ADHD diagnosis can evaluate and diagnose your child. However, the nurse will have to refer you to a licensed doctor for treatment.