ADHD testing is usually performed by a pediatric psychologist or psychiatrist in a clinical setting. The behavior of the child is monitored and actions are observed. The diagnoses of ADHD is one that has to be made by a professional and not one that parents should make on their own or rely on the school to make. Many parents and teachers are quick to put the ADHD label on any child, regardless of whether it is warranted.
Children should be diagnosed by a professional if there is a question of them having ADHD. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is marked by child who cannot sit still, cannot wait his turn in line, is very impulsive and cannot concentrate. Most younger children have a short attention span and are very active - this does not mean that they have ADHD. In most cases, children will start to settle down and control their impulses when they get older, especially as they see that society expects them to do so. But he ADHD child cannot. He or she finds it very difficult to control their impulses or behavior.
In most cases, ADHD testing is done by a pediatric psychologist or psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. A psychologist is a specialist who treats those with mental disorders with behavior therapy. The psychiatrist will most likely want to prescribe medication, as will most medical doctors. Many psychologists are now finding that using behavior therapy in dealing with ADHD children is a better option than drugs. Parents have a choice if ADHD testing demonstrates that their child has ADHD.
The worst thing that a parent can do for a child with ADHD is to ignore the problem. The second worst thing is to think that a magic pill will cure their child of ADHD. There is no cure for this condition, but it is not something that should stop anyone from functioning. Some of the most famous and celebrated people in the world had ADD or ADHD. Benjamin Franklin, for example, had this condition. He did not take drugs to try to make him conform. Instead, he allowed his creativity and genius to express itself freely and became a noted inventor, statesman and one of founding fathers of the United States.
ADHD testing may take a few sessions with the doctor to make sure that the diagnosis is accurate. In most cases, children will undergo ADHD testing at the advice of a teacher or school counselor because of behavioral problems in the classroom. Once ADHD testing is completed and the diagnosis confirmed, parents can then learn how to teach their children to not only cope with this disorder, but allow it to work for them.
Michelle Regan is an author and consultant. To learn more about ADD and ADHD in children, visit http://www.adhd-survival-guide.com/
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