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ADHD Evaluation Guidelines

According to Medline Plus, ADHD is a long-term chronic problem that if left untreated, may lead to substance abuse problems, school difficulties, employment problems or problems with law authorities. About half of children with ADHD will continue to have problems with inattention or impulsive behavior as grown ups.

  1. General Criteria

    • The American Academy of Pediatrics has set guidelines for a diagnosis of ADHD. Essentially, a child must have at least 6 symptoms of hyperactivity and/or impulsivity, and some seen before the age of 7. These symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and observed in more than one setting. They must not be attributable to any another cause. These symptoms must interfere with a child's functioning in school, home or in social situations. An evaluation should be performed by a professional and should include parent and teacher questionnaires, psychological evaluations of the child and family, child's IQ test and a complete physical and developmental evaluation.

    Inattention Symptoms

    • A child with a ADHD will have trouble remembering details, and may do careless work with many mistakes. The child may daydream frequently or seem to zone out when being talked to. It's likely a child with ADHD will miss assignments or fail to fully complete assignments or tasks, or turn them in late. The child will also struggle with organization and scheduling. It's not unusual for a child with ADHD to lose things often. Since it's difficult for them, kids with ADHD will avoid any tasks that require sustained concentration or attention.

    Hyperactivity Symptoms

    • Children with ADHD will seem to be in constant motion even when seated, fidgeting or wriggling in their chairs. They may have trouble running when they should walk, or getting up when they are supposed to be seated. They might be clumsier than their peers. Taking turns or waiting to speak may seem torturous to a child with ADHD. They often have difficulty carrying on a normal conversation or playing games with peers. In class, they might blurt out answers or random conversations at inappropriate times.

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