Usually the first person to notice problem is a teacher or a parent. Often there are signs in early childhood, but with structure and a strong teacher, sometimes these issues can be managed in elementary school without any formal intervention. These problems are likely to crop up in full force in middle school, however, where the demands of multiple classes and more independence make trouble with focus, planning, and organizing more apparent.
Symptoms of ADHD
Here are some of the symptoms of ADD/ADHD. This is not an all-inclusive list, and there are specific criteria about how long symptoms need to occur, so please don’t try to diagnose your child based on this list. This is just to give you an idea of the types of things that might indicate that you should look further into the possibility of ADD/ADHD.
- Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
- Often has trouble organizing activities.
- Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
- Is often easily distracted.
- Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat when sitting still is expected.
- Often has trouble playing or doing leisure activities quietly.
- Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".
- Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
- Often has trouble waiting one's turn.
- Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).
(American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision. Washington, DC, American Psychiatric Association, 2000.)
There are three basic types of attention deficit disorders: the predominantly inattentive type (ADD), the predominantly hyperactive type (ADHD), and a combined type. Your child’s psychologist or doctor will use questionnaires or rating scales to assess your child’s behavior in both school and at home to make the diagnosis. Then he or she will make recommendations for treatment.
Treatment for ADHD
Many parents are hesitant to put their children on medication. That’s understandable. But attention problems don’t go away on their own. And in the meantime, kids who suffer from them, untreated, are at risk for other problems, as well. Academic problems, low self-esteem, and the possibility that they may turn to drugs and alcohol in an effort to self-medicate, are real concerns. If there is a suspicion that your child has some kind of attention problem, it’s better to find out and check out ALL of your options before making a decision about treatment.
Is ADD/ADHD overdiagnosed? Maybe. The fact that there is a perception that ADD/ADHD is overdiagnosed may cause people to assume that NONE of these kids actually have a real problem. That’s a dangerous assumption. For many kids, focusing and paying attention is something that they have little control over. They made need the additional help of behavioral therapy, medication, or both to help improve their focus.
Susan Carney - I have been working as a middle school counselor with 6th and 7th grade students for the past thirteen years. I received a BA in ...
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