How to Test for ADD in Kids

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is not something that can be discovered by a simple blood test or any other laboratory test. In order to classify a child as having attention deficit disorder, parents and doctors must examine the child for specific behaviors. While observation of the child is essential, talking to adult figures who are with the child regularly is just as important. The American Academy of Pediatrics has a specific formula for evaluating a child for ADD.

Things You'll Need

• Printed information on attention deficit disorder
• Printed questionnaires for parents, teachers and other adult leaders

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Look for the signs. If a parent or teacher notices signs of ADD, it may be time to start a more thorough evaluation. Children who are inattentive, hyperactive or fidgety beyond the average amount for their age level may have attention deficit disorder. However, these symptoms alone are not proof. Talk to a pediatrician about a more thorough evaluation.

• 2

  Evaluate family history. The evaluation should begin with a medical and family history screening. While the exact causes for developing ADD are unknown, there have been studies to show that children can inherit it. There have also been links between maternal smoking and ADD, certain foods (such as refined sugars), and brain injuries as a child.

• 3

  Interview the parents, child and the child's teacher. Many doctors will have adult leaders in the child's life fill out a form asking about certain behaviors. In some cases, doctors will sit down with the child's teacher to gain more information. Parents and children sit down (individually or together) for a formal interview.

• 4

  Observe the child. In most cases, the doctor will ask to observe the child. This can be done in a playroom at the doctor's office, in the child's home or in the school. The doctor will observe the behaviors and look for signs of ADD. In some cases, the child will not know they are being observed in order to allow the doctor to see them in their natural state.

• 5

  Conduct tests to confirm ADD. If, after all evaluations, the doctor still has reason to think that the child has attention deficit disorder, additional psychological tests can be administered. These tests help measure the child's IQ as well as their ability to adjust socially and emotionally.