How do I find out if my 20 month old girl has ADD or ADHD??
483965
To be honest, the full signs that are required diagnosing criteria for ADD/ADHD in children aren't really detectable until AT LEAST age 3.\n\nToo often parents in our society today mistake what are normal developmental mile stones (Such as testing boundaries, strong desire to assert independence) as being something else because these mile stones are to much of a growing pain for parents.\n\nHowever, there has been significant evidence gathered from several studies that suggest a direct link between the amount of TV & direct-stimulation toddlers & children receive & ADD. Even though it hasn't been 100% confirmed, I really do recommend limiting the amount of TV you let your toddler watch. What the studies suggest is that because part of the root cause of ADD is the brain's lack of being able to process information & need to direct feed info, TV is just that- direct feed info. What I mean by that is when kids watch TV, their brains are directly feed information & the brain's need to process & sort out/figure out info is bypassed. For example, (& I know that this is a bad one, lol, it's all I could think of) it's like instead of gaining your energy from chewing & digesting your food, you're given it directly, through a shot in a IV. Make sense?\n\nIf you're wanting some tips on how to help curb some of her rowdiness, you should try to set up & instill some sort of routine & clear set boundaries w/her. Basically, develope some solid structure for her. Try talking to a pediatrician or child development specialist for some ideas & to get an assessment of your situation to better know what would work best for you.\n\nBest of luck to you!
508851
go to his pediatrician. The pediatrician should refer you.\ni think public schools might be able to offer some type of service as well.. not sure about that.. but 1st check with his pediatrician..\n\ngood luck..\n\nand note for ibitecareful.. you idiot.. there is such a thing called adhd for children.. if you are not going to answer properly to this person whom is asking for help.. don't both answering with stupid answers.. maybe you need you butt smacked you useless fool!!
915741
What Are the Symptoms?\n\nThe symptoms of ADHD include inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity that are inappropriate for a person's age level. \n\nChildren who have ADHD often:\n\nAre easily distracted by sights and sounds in their environment. \nAre unable to concentrate for long periods of time on low stimulation tasks (homework vs. video games). \nAre restless and impulsive. \nHave a tendency to daydream. \nAre slow to complete tasks. \nAdults who have ADHD often:\n\nMiss work deadlines.\nMiss appointments.\nAppear hectic and disorganized.\nHave significant problems prioritizing. \nSymptoms of ADHD in adults and children\n\nYou must got to a physiologist or a ph\nphycartist and have the test done formally.
122898
Take her to the pediatrician ASAP. This could indicate a serious endochrine problem.
660583
I am 38 and probably the same age as your mom. In our days we never had the label of ADD or ADHD so we just did the best we could. And we did fine or so we thought. several years later they diagnosed the problem as ADD and ADHD. Sometimes it is hard for someone our age to realize that it is a problem and that something can be done about it. \n\nWe are also not too happy about the drugs that we are to give our kids either to help them with this problem. No parent wants there kids to have a problem or a sickness so sometimes they will ignore it thinking it will go away. Next time you go to the doctor, tell him about it and he hopefully will do something about it.
514791
Make sure to find out what it is.  In NH 1 out of 4 students are medicated and don't need it.  You say it is not ADHD, do you know what it is.  research more in to it.  worst come worst.  Take your kid for walks before school.  Teach him responsibility.  Get him a puppy.  tell him to walk it and brush it be for school ever day.  A puppy has the energy to keep up with a five year old.\nYour right with choosing medication free.  Your son can't get in the army if you are on Ritalin be for the age of 12.  They are also now finding the cause depression that can lead to suicide.  My brother is on some thing now, do your research.
1125980
Talk with her and her parents to find out exactly what issues she has in both subjects.  If possible, look at her report card.  \n\nOnce you know what areas you need to target, go on-line to find worksheets, puzzles, games, etc. to help her in those areas.  There are tons of free websites for teachers to use.  You can even print review questions for most books you may want to read with her.  One of my favorite sites is http://www.edhelper.com.  It has math, reading, language arts, etc.  Many worksheets are free.  To be honest, WalMart has some pretty decent workbooks at that age level, too.   They won't be quite as expensive as a traditional bookstore (which is also a good source).  \n\nMost importantly, be kind, be patient, and be encouraging.
160523
Well, technically, in order to have the diagnosis of developmental ADHD you need to have had symptoms prior to age 7. Now, I don't know how good a job the diagnostician did at getting a history from you, or whether you do know your history. But often you can't tell who will have ADHD (except in very severe cases) before age 4 or 5, because all 4 year olds are restless and inattentive (well, most, anyway). \n\nNow, it is possible to develop what we refer to as aquired ADHD, which is ADHD symptoms that occur as a result of a head injury of some type. If you did develop aquired ADHD then you should be able to identify when the head injury occurred.
1171508
Symptoms of  will appear over the course of many months, often with the symptoms of impulsiveness and hyperactivity preceding those of inattention, which may not emerge for a year or more. Different symptoms may appear in different settings, depending on the demands the situation may pose for the child's self-control. A child who "can't sit still" or is otherwise disruptive will be noticeable in school, but the inattentive daydreamer may be overlooked. The impulsive child who acts before thinking may be considered just a "discipline problem," while the child who is passive or sluggish may be viewed as merely unmotivated. Yet both may have different types of ADD. All children are sometimes restless, sometimes act without thinking, sometimes daydream the time away. When the child's hyperactivity, distractibility, poor concentration, or impulsivity begin to affect performance in school, social relationships with other children, or behavior at home, ADD may be suspected. But because the symptoms vary so much across settings, ADD is not easy to diagnose. This is especially true when inattentiveness is the primary symptom.\n\nAccording to the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR), there are three patterns of behavior that indicate ADD. People with ADD may show several signs of being consistently inattentive. They may have a pattern of being hyperactive and impulsive far more than others of their age. Or they may show all three types of behavior. This means that there are three subtypes of ADD recognized by professionals. These are the predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type (that does not show significant inattention); the predominantly inattentive type (that does not show significant hyperactive-impulsive behavior) sometimes called ADDÂ—an outdated term for this entire disorder; and the combined type (that displays both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms).\n\nHyperactivity-Impulsivity\nHyperactive children always seem to be "on the go" or constantly in motion. They dash around touching or playing with whatever is in sight, or talk incessantly. Sitting still at dinner or during a school lesson or story can be a difficult task. They squirm and fidget in their seats or roam around the room. Or they may wiggle their feet, touch everything, or noisily tap their pencil. Hyperactive teenagers or adults may feel internally restless. They often report needing to stay busy and may try to do several things at once.\n\nImpulsive children seem unable to curb their immediate reactions or think before they act. They will often blurt out inappropriate comments, display their emotions without restraint, and act without regard for the later consequences of their conduct. Their impulsivity may make it hard for them to wait for things they want or to take their turn in games. They may grab a toy from another child or hit when they're upset. Even as teenagers or adults, they may impulsively choose to do things that have an immediate but small payoff rather than engage in activities that may take more effort yet provide much greater but delayed rewards.\n\nSome signs of hyperactivity-impulsivity are:\n\nFeeling restless, often fidgeting with hands or feet, or squirming while seated \nRunning, climbing, or leaving a seat in situations where sitting or quiet behavior is expected \nBlurting out answers before hearing the whole question \nHaving difficulty waiting in line or taking turns. \nInattention\nChildren who are inattentive have a hard time keeping their minds on any one thing and may get bored with a task after only a few minutes. If they are doing something they really enjoy, they have no trouble paying attention. But focusing deliberate, conscious attention to organizing and completing a task or learning something new is difficult.\n\nHomework is particularly hard for these children. They will forget to write down an assignment, or
838823
He may not actually have ADHD.  That's a pretty good way to figure out if a child has it, but it's unethical to give someone drugs to see how they might affect the person--so it's not done.  My guess is he's been misdiagnosed, but try to get the medication switched by consulting with your doctor.
724681
My daughter was on Adderall for years.  When she was in 1st grade she was found to be ADHD. When we got her on the correct medicine and dosage, she went to flunking to straight a's.  \n\nWhen she visited her dads house he would say the same thing.  He thought i was doing it to make it easier on me.  I offered for him to talk to her doctor and read her assessment.  He refused but just kept accusing me of giving her the meds because i was lazy.  Well, now she is 15 and the hyperactivity is gone.  We are now just dealing the the attention deficite part and he can finally see that what i did, was for her own good.  \n\nMaybe you just need to ask to talk to the doctor that diagnosed the boy.  Ask to see the diagnostic tests that were used and the results.  Also the schools do an evaluation if they are aware of a problem with the child.  The parents should get a copy of that.  I would ask for any documentation that is available and then work with the other parent to adjust the dosage or meds so that they work with the boy to help him get good grades in school.
485878
PLEASE I AM BEGGING U DO NOT GO STRAIGHT TO THE DOCTOR LIKE THAT LAST ANSWER SUGGESTED AND PUMP UR DAUGHTER FULL OF MEDS BECAUSE THAT MAY NOT BE THE ANSWER AND GIVING HER MEDS THAT SHE DOESN'T NEED CAN MAKE HER WORSE\nLETS FACE IT SHE IS 8 YEARS OLD. SHE WONT CONCENTRATE AS MUCH AS U WANT HER TO IN SCHOOL MOM, AFTER ALL SHE IS STILL A KID. I HAVE AN 8 YR OLD LIL BOY AND HIS TEACHER AND I HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER TO GET HIM TO PAY ATTENTION, HE LIKES TO TALK IN CLASS AND GOOF OFF SOMETIMES, THE TEACHER AND I FELT IT BEST TO MOVE HIS DESK AWAY FROM HIS DISTRACTIONS UNTIL HE EARNS THE RIGHT TO BE BACK IN HIS NORMAL SPOT PLUS AT HOME I TALK TO HIM EVERY DAY ABOUT HOW IMPORTANT IT IS FOR HIM TO PAY ATTENTION AND TO DO HIS BEST IN SCHOOL I ALWAYS TRY TO WORK OUT AN AWARD SYSTEM IF HE BRINGS HOME A GOOD NOTE FROM HIS TEACHER AND SAY 4 OUT OF 5 DAYS HE HAS GOOD NOTES THAN I GIVE HIM AN AWARD LIKE GOING TO THE PARK A SMALL TOY FROM WAL-MART. IT DOESN'T HAVE TO MONETARY BUT SOMETHING THAT SHE WILL APPRECIATE AND CHOOSES TO DO WITH IN REASON
617359
my oldest daughter was diagnosed with a.d.d She was diagnosed in third grade and was on meds (ritalin) for many years. It took a few dr.s to diagnose her. she din't have the hyper activity. I hated putting her on drugs! We felt that we had not other options. And we still had some proplems with her. It's important that parents check very carefully with ther dr.to make sure that is what it is. I trusted my dr. that is what it was. But as the years when by I didn't help a lot. but make her tired. My daughter is 22yrs now and a few years ago we found out that it just could have been deppression. Parents now use a.d.h.d. alot more than it was years ago.  Don't put your kids on drugs unless it is a last resort. drugs aren't the answer to make your life easier raising kids. There are other methods now, try and use them first.
293878
See a Naturopath and get tested for food allergies. Recent research has shown this to be a major cause. Increase youe intake of fish oils..this has been shown to help significantly also. try a therapy called Thought Field therapy this is getting amazing results in kids with ADD.\nSee this site for more http://www.jentleearthhealing.com/tft.html.\nCraig-Naturopath.
209934
I believe that ADHD is both misdiagnosed frequently and that ADHD is missed, and not diagnosed when it should be.  To diagnose ADHD properly several criteria need to be met and a comprehensive evaluation needs to occur.  Comprehensive does not mean visiting the pediatrician for a half hour, saying the kid has a bunch of these behaviors and walking out with a prescription.\n\nI believe that second opinions should be mandatory on an ADHD diagnosis.\n\nBelow I have pasted some information from a report by the University of Maryland Medical Center:\nhttp://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/how_attention-deficit_hyperactivity_disorder_diagnosed_000030_4.htm\n\nArguments that ADHD is Overdiagnosed in Some Children:\n\nThe popularity methylphenidate (Ritalin) has encouraged some parents and teachers to pressure physicians into prescribing this standard ADHD drug for children, usually Caucasian boys, who are simply aggressive or who have poor grades. In one study of fifth graders in two different cities, 18% and 20% of Caucasian boys were being treated with medications. In one center, after careful testing, ADHD was the actual diagnosis in only 11% of children referred for ADHD and 18% had no disability. Others were simply poorer learners or had no problems at all. \n\nIn one study, children more likely to receive medication were young for their grade, indicating they may have been socially and intellectually immature, rather than behaviorally impaired. \n\nBeing poor and growing up in a single parent household contribute to emotional and behavioral problems. The significant increase in these problems has also paralleled an increase in the diagnosis of ADHD children, who may simply be responding to social and economic problems. \n\nArguments that ADHD is Underdiagnosed in Some Children:\nSome evidence suggests that many girls with ADHD may go underdiagnosed. Research indicates that girls with ADHD are often inattentive but not hyperactive or impulsive. In fact, older girls with ADHD tend to have social problems due to withdrawal and internalized emotions, showing symptoms of anxiety and depression. The inattentive subtype, in any case, may first show up in older children and adolescents. However, according to the criteria, ADHD is not diagnosed in people whose symptoms appear after age seven. \n\nPhysicians may fail to diagnose children with ADHD because they often behave normally in the quiet physician's office where there are no distractions to trigger symptoms. \n\nIn spite of the fact that there seems to be no difference in the disorder among population groups, African-American, Hispanic, and Asian children with ADHD are half as likely to be diagnosed and treated as Caucasian children. By high school, the racial disparity increases to the level that the medication rate for blacks is one-fifth of that for whites. \n\nADHD may also be underdiagnosed in adults. Some experts, in fact, believe that ADHD may be the most common chronic undiagnosed psychiatric disorder in adults.
486579
Check the CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder).  The site has info for adults and employment problems, advocacy, health insurance, professional directory, and a resource center.
416199
I have ADHD and I'm still in school on mysenior year about to graduate.. ADHD is what it is and yea it makes your attention span short and you a little hyperactive, but him not wanting to go to school has nothing to do with his diagnosis..\nSo for some help i gave you a link below for some signs of ADHD and ODD\nAnd about staying in class yea i do sometimes when my medicine starts to wear off so i go to sleep or doodle my thoughts n stuff and it really helps