We polled parents for advice on what to expect
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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Some of the ADHD symptoms that parents noticed most often included being easily distracted and not following through with homework or chores. Kids will be kids, and sometimes they have a hard time paying attention, sitting still, and controlling their behavior. So how does a parent know if a child’s daydreaming, overexcitement, or trouble finishing homework is normal or a warning sign of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
Consumer Reports recently surveyed parents of 934 children who were diagnosed with ADHD to get their views about the symptoms they noticed, the diagnostic process they went through, and the advice they would give other parents.
The survey yielded a number of important insights. Some of their child’s symptoms that parents noticed most often included being easily distracted, losing interest quickly, not following through with homework or chores, and having difficulty sitting still. Many parents (more than 60 percent) said their child had all 20 of the symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity associated with ADHD before they received a diagnosis. But the formal diagnosis and the symptoms the parents reported did not always correspond, reinforcing the need for a professional evaluation.
The professional who was involved in the diagnostic process most often in our survey was the child’s primary-care doctor, although more than a third of the parents reported consulting three or more professionals. Many of the health-care providers did not seem to follow well-established guidelines for diagnosing ADHD. For example, input from teachers and other school personnel was not always obtained.
Most children (56 percent) were prescribed medication immediately after receiving a diagnosis of ADHD. But only 35 percent of the parents said they left the health-care professional’s office with a clear plan of action to help their child. More than half of them said they lacked a clearer understanding of their child’s strengths and weaknesses. And many did not think they had a health-care professional to consult in the future about managing the problem. Parents may need to insist on getting a clear plan and follow-up arrangement for their child.
This report can help parents concerned about their child’s behavior to understand:
The symptoms and time frame that may suggest ADHD.
Whom to see for evaluation and what to expect.
What to watch for to make sure your child is diagnosed properly.
Other disorders that may occur in children with ADHD.
Insights about what to expect from parents who’ve been there.
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