| There is such an increase in the cases of ADHD | | | | understands, like a parent support group where |
| that the categories for this condition have | | | | you can exchange ideas. The specialist should be |
| expanded to include; | | | | able to offer a list of helpful resources. |
| --inattentive and disorganized | | | | Do not jump to the conclusion that your child has |
| --inattentive and irritable | | | | ADHD just because they are overactive as some |
| --inattentive with chronic depression | | | | children have more energy than others, or may |
| --inattentive and impulsive types | | | | be bored in class if they are not being challenged |
| Each specialist has a separate treatment or | | | | enough. If you decide you would like to check out |
| therapy which must be administered by a qualified | | | | the behavior with a professional be prepared |
| therapist. They will look at the symptoms and | | | | before you go by keeping a record of when the |
| should run tests to check for vitamin deficiencies | | | | behavior started, do the symptoms occur in |
| as many people are deficient in Magnesium, B6 | | | | numerous places and not just at school or in a |
| and Zinc. Some ADHD specialists say that unless | | | | social outing? Have the symptoms been occurring |
| particular tests are run that measure brain | | | | for a minimum of six months? |
| activity, there is no way to really know if | | | | Important things to look for and ask about when |
| someone has ADHD. The SPECT test (Single | | | | you go to see a professional would be what type |
| Photon Emission Computed Tomography) and the | | | | of certification they have and what do they |
| QEEG (Quantitative Electro-encephalography) test | | | | cover in the evaluation. Also ask about health |
| both measure brain wave activity. There is some | | | | insurance costs; what is covered and what is not. |
| controversy over the accuracy of these tests, | | | | If you are not sure where to start looking ask |
| but I personally would not want to give my child a | | | | your doctor or school nurse for references in |
| prescription medication with the many side | | | | your area. You might also check the phone book |
| effects just having a doctor take my word for | | | | under children's therapists, or other parents, |
| the behavior or make a diagnosis after a few | | | | especially if you know of someone who has a |
| minutes of observation, which happens time and | | | | child with ADHD. Remember though every |
| again. | | | | therapist may believe in observation and |
| ADHD support is just as important as finding an | | | | prescriptions, some a more detailed evaluation, |
| ADHD specialist because once the condition has | | | | and others may be using non conventional |
| been identified you will need updated information | | | | treatments like vitamins, diet or herbal remedies. |
| on new treatments, how to cope with the day to | | | | Only you can decide which type of action you |
| day struggles of dealing with behavioral problems | | | | want to take for the health of your child. |
| and just having someone to talk to that | | | | |