What is Attention Deficit Disorder?

My ten-year-old son was diagnosed by his teacher as having Attention Deficit Disorder. What is that?

Teachers are not qualified to diagnose Attention Deficit Disorder. A health professional, such as a pediatrician, psychologist or psychiatrist should diagnose.

Obviously, your child’s teacher is frustrated with him. Pay attention to this concern, you can ask for a meeting to find out more.

Talk to your family doctor about the problems your son is having. He or she may have some specific suggestions or may refer your child to a specialist. You can also contact your local hospital for referrals.

You could see a private psychologist (look in the phone book) but you will have to pay for this service.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD as it is often called, is diagnosed because of:

• problems in paying attention or distractibility
• problems in doing things without thinking or impulsivity,
• almost constant activity or hyperactivity

ADHD is common, occurring in about 10% of school-age boys but fewer girls. ADHD is diagnosed by reports of behaviour in different settings. There is no blood test, or x-ray for ADHD.

0

0