ADHD Diagnosis

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2004 : November : 21

ADHD Diagnosis
By Amy Lee

Did you know if a child doesn't have symptoms of ADHD prior to the age 6, then he or she doesn't have ADHD? Our local university has a grant to study ADHD. Actually the money came from a Tobacco Settlement. We know ADHD
children can be prone to high risk behaviors such as smoking. A group of sixth grade students are followed through middle school and the program involves mentors, groups, interventions, etc. At our orientation meeting a psychologist who works with our school and this program stated a child must have symptoms of ADHD prior to age 6. It made be wonder since we have children diagnosed as

earlier as preschool but many diagnosed in early elementary grades even in middle and high school levels.

Medication is just one option. It has to be monitored closely and there must be communication between the parent, doctor, and school. I have taught ED students for nine years. I have noticed the ones with ADHD are more active after eating certain foods especially red dye. Some children have reacted to light and sounds especially from fluorescent lights (buzzing sound). I have even observed students become more active when there is a certain smell in the classroom. This happened last year when I had a room deodorizer with lavender. On the other hand certain sights and sounds are calming to students.

ADHD is like learning. Everyone learns differently and this goes for ADHD ... medication is not always the answer but a possible solution. There are free support groups for parents with ADHD children. You may want to connect your local hospital or social services agency.