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Getting your child an ADHD diagnosis can be an overwhelming process. At Lavendla, we want to give you a clear and thorough insight into the process to make the difficult easier.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neuropsychological disorder that affects concentration, organization and planning. The most common characteristics of ADHD are difficulty concentrating, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Children with ADHD may also have difficulty managing their emotions and have poor self-esteem and self-image.
It is not entirely clear what causes ADHD, but there are certain factors that seem to contribute to the diagnosis. These factors include genetics, central nervous system differences, and the environment. There may also be biological causes such changes in dopamine and norepinephrine production.
Each child’s experience with ADHD is unique, making a thorough assessment essential.
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It is important to know what to look out for if you suspect your child may have ADHD. Symptoms may include:
If you notice these symptoms and see that they affect your child’s daily life, it may be time to consider an assessment.
An ADHD assessment at a private clinic follows the same procedure as if you were to go through the public healthcare system:
Fill in the form, choose a counsellor and proceed to payment.
Each child is unique, so it is important to tailor the assessment process to the specific needs of each child. Symptoms of ADHD can have many causes and before starting an assessment it is important to rule out that the symptoms are not due to other factors in the child’s life. These may include stress, parenting difficulties or bullying. Schools also have a duty to put measures in place to support students, so connecting with them to explore options and accommodations to see if that helps is also a good first step. Additionally, children should ideally be between 4-12 for their initial assessment. This is because behaviour can change rapidly in very young children, and in adolescence changes in development can make it difficult to distinguish from symptoms of ADHD . An ADHD assessment takes about 20 hours and usually takes place over 2-3 months.
After the assessment, the next step is to discuss interventions and treatment plans. Treatment can include medication, psychological treatment with cognitive behavioural therapy or a combination of both. Next, the school is involved, so that they can be made aware of the treatment plan and start implementing accommodations. It is also important that parents receive support with understanding ADHD and learning how to best support their child.
Parenting a child in need of additional support can be a difficult journey. But remember, it’s never too late to seek help and get the care you and your child need. The first step is to talk to a healthcare provider who can guide you through assessment and diagnosis.
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An assessment can give you answers and an understanding of your child’s potential difficulties, which in turn can lead to better support and help. It can also be a relief to have an explanation for certain behaviours or challenges. There are also hereditary factors in ADHD, so it is not uncommon for parents to identify symptoms in themselves as well.
Seeking help for your child is a big step and we are here to support you through the process. Remember that an assessment can be the start of a journey towards understanding and support, which can make a significant difference in your child’s life.
An ADHD assessment is a process in which psychologists and doctors carry out various tests and interviews to determine whether a person has an attention problem with impulsivity and hyperactivity.
The assessment typically includes cognitive tests, diagnostic interviews and a thorough medical and psychological history to understand the child’s history and current situation, involving both parents and the school.
The duration of an ADHD assessment can vary, but it usually takes at least 20 hours and is usually completed in about 2-3 months.
Symptoms that may warrant an assessment for ADHD in children include difficulty listening, being easily distracted, forgetting and losing things, restlessness and impulsivity.
Children should ideally be between 4-12 for their initial assessment. This is because behaviour can change rapidly in very young children, and in adolescence changes in development can make it difficult to distinguish from symptoms of ADHD. It can be helpful to have tried preventive measures before starting an assessment. It is also possible to have unnoticed symptoms that only become apparent or problematic in adulthood as demands and responsibilities increase, which can lead to a late diagnosis.
Children can be disruptive, however this does not mean that it is due to ADHD. It could be difficulties in expressing their feelings and getting their needs met. Adolescence is also a time of great change. That’s why it’s important to have a thorough assessment before an investigation to get the right support.
In public health care, a referral from a health care center is needed. Private clinics accept patients without a referral and often have shorter waiting times.
Treatment can include extra support measures at school, but also medication, cognitive behavioural therapy adapted to ADHD, and support strategies to cope with everyday life. It is also important for parents and caregivers to receive education about the condition.
It is important to talk to your child about the assessment and to have a dialogue with the school so that you can get an overall picture of your child’s concerns. If there are previous assessments, it is a good idea to bring documentation for these to the investigator.
ADHD cannot be cured, but one third of all those diagnosed as children do not have symptoms of ADHD as adults. This suggests that symptoms can change over time as the brain matures, so it is important that a thorough assessment is carried out so that the child gets the right help.
ADD used to be its own diagnosis, but is now ADHD with inattentive and distractable subtype.
Usually during an ADHD assessment, a thorough assessment is conducted to rule out and treat other psychological problems that may be related to ADHD.
Seeking help and treatment for ADHD is an important process that can significantly improve quality of life. If you suspect that your child is suffering from ADHD-related symptoms, you can follow these steps:
Note when and how your children experience symptoms and how it affects your daily life. This may include forgetfulness, difficulty organizing tasks, or intense activity levels.
Make an appointment with a licensed psychologist for an initial assessment. Here you can find out if it would be helpful to proceed with an assessment.
A doctor and psychologist will work together in the assessment, conducting interviews and cognitive tests to determine whether your child’s symptoms are consistent with ADHD. Involving your child’s school in this process is important.
After diagnosis, we develop a treatment plan. This includes feedback to the school and interventions that may include medication, therapy and support for parents.
Stimulant and non-stimulant medications may be prescribed to help control symptoms. The effects and side effects of the drugs will be closely monitored.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) adapted for ADHD may be recommended to help manage symptoms. Caregiver education and parental support are also important.
The school plays an important role in a child’s assessment. Sometimes it is the school itself that initiates an investigation. Regardless, it is important to involve the school in the assessment and support process to ensure that the child receives the right interventions during their time at school.
Regular follow-up meetings with the treating doctor and psychologist to adjust the treatment plan may occur. This is also the time to address any side effects or questions.
Lifestyle is important for children with ADHD and routines such as regular exercise, a healthy diet and adequate sleep are essential. It is also important to teach your child how to manage their emotions, set healthy boundaries and build on their strengths. ADHD can lead to problems with self-esteem and self-image, so it is important to see your child for who they are and accept them despite their difficulties.
As starting treatment can often seem challenging, the best step in the right direction can be just having a conversation with a psychologist or therapist. This is why we offer introductory sessions with our therapists where you can connect over video for 20 or 45 minutes. Do not hesitate to reach out for support. Together, we can make the difficult easier.