Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural and developmental disorder. A diagnosis is made after a range of information is collected. Symptoms can include:
- Difficulty paying attention
- Impulsivity
- Overactivity
All young children have a limited attention span and sometimes do things without thinking. Only a few of these children have ADHD. There is no single test. A diagnosis can only be made after a range of information is collected, especially from the parents.
A paediatrician, child psychologist or child psychiatrist can make the assessment or arrange a referral. Assessments must include a developmental history of the child’s past behaviours. Issues related to early attachment to a parent or caregiver, which may contribute to the behaviour, are also assessed.
The diagnosis of ADHD is made after a clinical assessment and supplemented by a variety of internationally recognised scales.
(Information from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder_diagnosis)
Read this article for tips on how parents can improve their child’s concentration at home
Below are some links to further information, resources and organisations to support your child with ADHD: (Kendal, please hyperlink all links below)
- Diagnosing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder_diagnosis
- Information on impulsivity – a symptom of ADHD http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/symptoms.asp?sid=70&title=Impulsivity
- Information on Hyperactivity- a symptom of ADHD http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/symptoms.asp?sid=69&title=Hyperactivity
- Non drug therapies for people with ADHD http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder_non-drug_therapies
- Drug therapies for people with ADHD http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Attention_deficit_hyperactivity_disorder_-_drug_therapy?open
- Tips for parents of children with ADD and ADHD http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=114&np=141&id=2430
- How ADHD can affect teenagershttp://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=243&np=293&id=2153
- The Family Impact of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/healthandlifestyle.asp?sid=192
- FAILSAFE Diet for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)http://www.virtualmedicalcentre.com/healthandlifestyle.asp?sid=191
- ADDers. Orghttp://www.addact.org.au/Electronicic%20resources%20on%20adhd%20for%20parents.htm
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