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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
The DSM-IV classification describes ADHD as at least having six symptoms of either inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity or both. The DSM is the Diagnostic Statistic Manual for Mental Disorders. It is published by the American Psychiatric Association and provides diagnostic criteria for assessing mental disorders.

If ADHD is strongly suspected in a child, then a referral to a pediatrician is advisable. A comprehensive review of the behaviour in the home and at school will be used to evaluate the child, using DSM-IV classification criteria. A full physical evaluation will also be done to rule out other medical conditions, i.e. hearing, vision, brain injuries, fetal alcohol syndrome, etc.  Attention Deficit Disorder often co-exists with learning disabilities, so it is recommended that a psycho-educational assessment also be conducted to identify if there are any learning disabilities.

Parenting support is often required to help manage the affects of ADHD, as there are typically many behavioural challenges. When ADHD coexists with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), the challenges and risks increase. Children with ODD are often more aggressive and argumentative, and it may be helpful to have counselling or professional interventions at the earliest stage possible to create a plan for managing difficult behaviours. School Districts can provide support plans called Behavioural IEPs. These often will include the assistance of a youth support worker.

Treating ADHD

Your child's pediatrician or psychologist will work with you to develop a treatment plan. Treatment for ADHD is multi-modal, meaning that treatment involves a variety of interventions.  These may include medication, behavioural therapy, social skills training, parent skills training, school/home collaboration and parent support.  Many families also look for supplemental or alternative treatments, such as Biofeedback, special diets or supplements.   Seek out organizations that specialize in ADHD support such as CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder )  CHADD Canada   or   AttitudeMag.   They will help educate you on the most up to date information related to ADHD diagnosis, treatment, and parenting. Before jumping into any alternative treatment, seek as much information about it as you can. You know your own child best, and you are in the best position to evaluate your child's tolerance for a given approach. Give each approach some time to work before moving on to another one. If one seems to be helping some, but not enough, consider adding another approach.
When looking for alternative therapies use these tips to help you recognize treatments that are questionable:
  • Overstatement and exaggerated claims are red flags. Be suspicious of any product or treatment that is described as astonishing, miraculous, or an amazing breakthrough.
  • Be suspicious of any treatment that claims to treat a wide variety of ailments. Common sense tells us that the more grandiose the claim, the less likely it is that there is any real merit behind it.
  • Do not rely solely on testimonials from people who say they have been helped by the product or the treatment.
  • Be skeptical about claims that a treatment is being suppressed or unfairly attacked by the medical establishment.
  • Look for scientifically researched, independent study results

Below are additional resources we hope you find helpful on ADHD:

♦ What are Attention Deficit Disorder and what is the major cause? Click here

♦ Is there an assessment available to identify Attention Disorders?  Click here

♦ What treatments are available for Attention Disorders? Click here

♦ Education and the child with Attention Deficit Disorder. Click here

 
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