Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood disorders found today. According to the CDC, approximately 11% of children 4-17 years of age in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD. Research has demonstrated that ADHD has a very strong neurobiological basis, and tends to run in families. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and can continue through adolescence and adulthood.

Children with ADHD may have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking), or be overly active. Often times, these children have a difficult time making or keeping friends, and may seem as if they are purposely non-compliant. It is important to remember that children who truly have ADHD are unable to control many of their behaviors without the support of family, teachers, and other professionals. To be diagnosed with the disorder, a child must have symptoms for 6 or more months and to a degree that is greater than other children of the same age.

There are three primary subtypes of ADHD, each associated with different symptoms:

• ADHD—Primarily Inattentive Type (also known as ADD): This child typically can be easily distracted and/or will forget details of daily routines.
• ADHD—Primarily Hyperactive/Impulsive Type: This child often feels restless, seems as (s)he is always “on the go”, may seem clumsy, and usually has trouble with impulsive behaviors (“jumps before looking”, interrupts parents when talking, seems to not think before doing something, etc.).
• ADHD—Combined Type: Symptoms of the other two types are equally present in the person.

Children diagnosed with ADHD may be entitled to classroom accommodations, testing accommodations, or other services to assist with their learning. Several types of professionals can diagnose ADHD, including pediatricians, psychologists, social workers, nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, and other medical doctors. However, a diagnosis does not automatically entitle a student to services or accommodations. In the State of Florida, children will only be eligible for accommodations and services if the disorder has a negative impact on academic, social, or behavioral performance at school. A full comprehensive psycho-educational evaluation is the best way to determine whether a child is in need of classroom accommodations or special education services.

There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, so determining whether your child has the disorder will take many steps. A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to establish the diagnosis, rule out other causes, and determine the presence or absence of coexisting conditions. Such an evaluation requires time and effort. It should include more than a medical diagnosis and a simple measure of academic progress. A comprehensive evaluation for ADHD should include the following:

• A measure of intelligence
• An academic achievement measure
• A measure of executive functioning
• A clinical assessment of your child’s family, school, and social history
• A measure of your child’s emotional functioning
• Information regarding your child’s response to current interventions at school

Children with ADHD need guidance and understanding from their parents and teachers to reach their full potential and to succeed in school. If you suspect that your child may meet criteria for an attention deficit disorder and may need accommodations to succeed at school, please contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our psychologists.