Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

While all children experience times when they have trouble paying attention, children with ADHD have symptoms that do not get better without the assistance of coping techniques as they grow. A child with ADHD may:

• Get easily distracted
• Daydream often
• Have trouble paying attention
• Be forgetful
• Fidget frequently and have trouble staying seated
• Talk too much without thinking first
• Interrupt other people when they are speaking
• Be unable to take turns

Most children with ADHD will show these symptoms by age 7. Early identification and treatment can help your child perform better at school and behave better at home. Without treatment, children with ADHD are at increased risk of failing out of school, substance abuse, depression or accidental injuries.

Diagnosis of ADHD

Doctors with the Riley at IU Health Child Development Center perform comprehensive evaluations to determine if children have ADHD or other behavioral problems.

During the evaluation, your child's provider will take an extensive developmental history to determine any health problems, what is going on in your child’s life and the history of his or her behavior. Your child's provider will also observe your child and how he or she behaves and interacts during the appointment. As the caregiver you may be asked to fill out a brief questionnaire or checklist. If needed, your child may be brought back for an appointment to undergo psychological testing, speech testing and/or a medical examination. This testing, often in the form of activities or games, lets your child’s provider identify symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis.

After the evaluation, you will receive a detailed report about your child's specific condition as well as a list of community resources that can help your child. The report allows all caregivers and healthcare professionals who care for your child to apply consistent techniques to help him or her improve.