Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Assessment
Parents of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) might notice that their child has difficulty sitting still, or that they act without thinking first, or start but not finish things. Nearly everyone shows some of these behaviors at times, but ADHD lasts more than 6 months and causes problems in school, at home and in social situations.
The following are symptoms of ADHD:
- Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
- Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
- Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
- Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
- Often has trouble organizing activities.
- Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period (such as schoolwork or homework).
- Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
- Is often easily distracted.
- Is often forgetful in daily activities.
- Often mixes up peoples' names or forgets them for short periods of time.
ADHD is more common in boys than girls, and it affects 3-5 percent of children in the United States. The principal characteristics of ADHD are
- Inattention
- Hyperactivity
- Impulsivity
No one knows exactly what causes ADHD. It runs in families, so genetics may be a factor. A complete evaluation by a trained professional is the only way to know for sure if your child has ADHD. Treatment often includes cognitive behavioral therapy. Structure at home and at school is also important. After an ADHD evaluation and diagnosis, Dr. Bishop can prepare a behavioral plan for your child in order to minimize the effects of ADHD at home and at school. Often, classroom accommodations are necessary to provide appropriate education for the child. Dr. Bishop can detail these needed accommodations in the report as well.
Often parents will request an assessment for “Attention Deficit Disorder” and state that their child lacks any signs of hyperactivity. Technically, Attention Deficit Disorder was renamed or reclassified under the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder classification in 1994. “Attention Deficit Disorder” today is most similar to “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, predominantly inattentive subtype.”
If you would like to have your child assessed for ADHD, please use the Contact Form or call Dr. Bishop at (813) 454-1050.