DFWChild reader wrote to us: “I think my elementary-age child may have ADHD. What are the warning signs? Where would I get a diagnosis?”
For answers in this Sound Advice column, we reached out to Dr. James Norcross, pediatric psychologist and division director at Children’s Health, Dallas.
Dr. James Norcross: It isn’t uncommon for parents of elementary-aged children to become concerned about a potential attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis, more commonly known as ADHD. Lack of focus, hyperactivity and impulsivity in children, traits that frequently concern parents, can be related to age or maturity, but they can also be linked to ADHD. So what are specific warning signs and symptoms parents can be on the lookout for?
Common signs of ADHD include:
• Trouble sitting still
• Difficulty following directions
• Poor planning and organizational skills
• Disruptive in a classroom setting (e.g., talking, leaving seat)
• Forgetful (due to inconsistent attention)
• Hard time keeping hands to oneself
• Impulsive behavior
To be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must present in multiple settings, such as school, home, and sports teams, and be ongoing for at least 6 months as well as impairing a child’s ability to function. ADHD can coexist with other learning disabilities and mental health conditions, or symptoms presenting as ADHD might be masking one or more of those issues. This is why having a child evaluated and diagnosed by a qualified professional is critical.
The CDC recently reported that approximately 9.4% of U.S. children between the ages of 2–17 have been diagnosed with ADHD in their lifetime. If your child is diagnosed, they are not alone, and wider spread awareness of the condition has led to some schools implementing screening programs in addition to pediatricians who often offer these screenings. If signs of ADHD or another learning disability or mental health diagnosis are indicated, the child would then most likely be referred to a pediatric psychologist to confirm that diagnosis.
So, what should families expect when they consult with a physician? First, the child will undergo an evaluation. This consists of the child and parents talking with a doctor about their concerns and may include rating forms for parents and teachers to complete to provide additional information. If there are concerns about learning differences, further assessment by a psychologist may be recommended to check for underlying learning disabilities or conditions.
There are many paths to treatment and symptom management. At home, predictability and structure are important for kids with ADHD. Consistent routines and healthy sleep schedules can help mitigate symptoms; limiting screen time, prioritizing time outdoors and staying active are also great strategies.
An elementary-aged child diagnosed with ADHD may find educational environments particularly challenging due to overstimulation in a classroom environment. But with the proper accommodations, which the Americans with Disabilities Act requires schools to provide, all students can thrive.
We typically see these accommodations split into two buckets: behavioral classroom management and organizational training. Tools such as color-coded notebooks, fidget devices, checklists, reward systems and timers can all be tools used to support the success of ADHD students.
Every child is unique, and the same goes for every child diagnosed with ADHD. I want families and caregivers to know that this disorder is not a limitation for their child and that with the proper support that child can be just as successful as his or her classmates.
RELATED: Sound Advice: What are Alternative Treatments for ADHD?
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