Could Your Child Have ADHD? From ADDitude s Experts
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Could Your Child Have ADHD? Here s a checklist adapted from the American Psychiatric Association s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision, Washington, D.C., American Psychiatric Association, 2000. Do you see signs of ADHD in your child? Do you suspect he or she may have the condition? Learn more about ADHD in children by checking off each of the following statements that apply to your son or daughter: NOTE: This checklist is not intended to diagnose or to replace the care of a health care professional. PART ONE: INATTENTION The first checklist covers signs of distractibility. My child makes careless mistakes. It s very difficult for my child to stay focused on homework or other tasks. My child rarely completes an activity before moving to the next activity. Even when spoken to directly, my child seems to not be paying attention. My child is disorganized and, even with my help, can t seem to learn how to become organized. My child freuently loses things, such as homework and personal belongings. 1 from the editors of
Could Your Child Have ADHD? My child tries to avoid activities that reuire sustained concentration and a lot of mental effort. My child freuently forgets to do things, even when constantly reminded. The smallest distractions throw my child off task. If you checked off six or more symptoms and these symptoms have been a persistent problem interfering in your child s life at home and at school he or she may have inattentive type Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). It would be prudent to talk with a physician or a licensed mental-health practitioner. PART TWO: HYPERACTIVITY AND IMPULSIVITY The second checklist covers hyperactivity and impulsivity. Sometimes my child acts as if she/he is driven by a motor. My child always seems to be fidgeting. No matter how hard he tries, my child has problems remaining seated even when she/he is supposed to. My child talks a lot, even when she/he has nothing much to say. My child often interferes in the classroom because she/he has difficulty engaging in uiet activities without disturbing others. In class or at home, my child blurts out answers to uestions before they are fully asked. My child has difficulty waiting patiently to take turns, and freuently butts ahead in lines or grabs toys from playmates. Sometimes my child seems intrusive. She/he interrupts constantly other peoples activities and conversations. If you checked off six or more symptoms and these symptoms have been a persistent problem interfering in your child s life at home and at school he or she may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It would be prudent to talk with a physician or a licensed mental-health practitioner. Take this form with you to the doctor s office for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis. 2 from the editors of
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