Diagnosing ADHD in a Child

Many tools are used to diagnose ADHD in a child. Parents, family members, and teachers will be asked to describe your child’s behavior. Doctors and educators will observe and test your child. This process can also help rule out other problems.

Adults describe behaviors

Your child’s doctor will ask you to fill out a survey with questions. You will be asked to describe your child’s attention and behavior. Think about your child’s past as well as the present. Other adults who know your child well can share what they have seen. This includes teachers.

Experts test and evaluate

Your child’s attention may be tested by a team. This can include an education specialist, psychologist, psychiatrist, and a pediatrician with special training in this area. A school psychologist may watch your child in the classroom. They will use tests to assess your child. These tests will look at how your child behaves and acts with adults and other children. 

Tell the doctor if any other family member shows signs of ADHD. ADHD seems to run in families.

The doctor and educator will look at all the results. If your child has ADHD, your child will get a treatment plan. It will include plans for school, home, and social settings.