By Tess
Thompson
Diagnosing a learning
disability or a medical condition like ADHD can be
complicated and inexact. In the case of ADHD, many of the
telltale symptoms are also often symptoms of regular
childhood behavior -- restlessness, rowdiness, and a
tendency to be easily distracted. ADHD is treated
differently from learning disabilities because it is
thought to be different in nature. While most learning
disabilities can be diagnosed through specific testing,
ADHD requires a more subtle diagnosis through comprehensive
evaluation.
A
learning disability is generally caused by a neurological
difference in the brain structure of a child that makes it
difficult for him or her to process information in the same
way as others. Learning disabilities rarely have anything
to do with intelligence level and are generally not treated
with medication, as medication can do nothing to change a
brain's "wiring," or structure. Children with learning
disabilities have to be trained to compensate for them, and
after they are diagnosed, schools can help them by
providing extra time on tests or other taking other special
measures.
ADHD is
not considered to be a learning disability as it is thought
to be caused by an absence of the neurotransmitter
norepinephrine in parts of the brain, and not necessarily
by the brain's "wiring." Medication can sometimes be used
as a successful child ADHD treatment because certain kinds
increase the production of neurotransmitters (such as
Ritalin), but these medications can also cause disturbing
side effects in some children.
In
order for your child to be diagnosed with ADHD, he or she
must have consistently exhibited ADHD characteristics for
an extended period of time and in different environments
(school, home, play..etc). Because many of the symptoms of
ADHD are also common symptoms of depression or anxiety, the
doctor or psychologist evaluating your child will want to
make sure that your child is not simply reacting to
specific situations. According to the Psychiatric
Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, which is often used in ADHD research studies,
common symptoms include:
-Difficulty organizing tasks and
activities
-Often
losing things necessary for tasks or
activities
-Often
easily distracted by outside stimuli
-Not
listening when spoken to directly
-Difficulty awaiting turn
-Difficulty playing or engaging in leisure
activities quietly
There
is no single specific test that will diagnose ADHD and each
child will exhibit symptoms in a slightly different way. As
there are also no genetic indicators of ADHD, diagnosis
requires extensive and thorough evaluation. The U.S.
Department of Education does not require a clinical
diagnosis, which means that for school purposes, if a
school allows it, a school psychologist can diagnose ADHD
in your child. If after careful consultation you determine
that your child does have ADHD, be sure to evaluate
multiple behavioral and medical or herbal options for
treatment for ADHD before deciding on the one you feel is
best for your child.
About the
Author
Tess
Thompson is a Homeopathic Practitioner, Reflexologist,
Certified Aromatherapist, and Herbalist who contributes
to Native
Remedies - where
you can find Guaranteed, Homeopathic and Herbal
Remedies for many health conditions including the
natural treatment of
ADHD and child ADHD
treatment.
Top of page
