What is ADHD??
Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
What is ADHD ?
In North America (Canada and US) Medical Professionals see ADHD as a biological-neurological Disorder (think chemical imbalance in the brain).Our Medical professionals (MDs and Psychiatrists) follow The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders also known as the DSM 5 or DSM IV) definition of ADHD. Treatment approach is mostly (not always) with medication and often various therapies are recommended.
In France ADHD is seen as a medical condition that has psycho-social and situational causes. Their medical professionals follow the CFTMEA (Classification Française des Troubles Mentaux de L'Enfant et de L'Adolescent) definition of ADHD. Treatment approach is mostly (not always) psychotherapy or family counselling.
Why is it important to know these two definitions on “what is ADHD?" I wish to provide the most accurate and up to date information in our world today about ADHD and feel it is important to recognize both definitions of ADHD to understand approaches taken to how it is recognized, diagnosed and treated.
Diagnosing ADHD
***To Date there is NO scientifically proven(solid science) diagnostic test for ADHD — no blood analysis, no brain scan, no genetic screening to definitively diagnose ADHD.***
*Both views (France and North America) look to behaviour to diagnose.
North America Medical Professionals Follow:
DSM-5
France Medical Professionals follow:
CFTMEA (Classification Française des Troubles Mentaux de L'Enfant et de L'Adolescent)
Who can diagnose it here in North America?
Doctors (MDs) family GP/ Paediatricians/Neurologists, Psychiatrists and Psychologists (only MD Doctors and Psychiatrists can prescribe medications for ADHD Psychologists can not)
How is it diagnosed here in North America?
ADHD is diagnosed by medical professionals (mentioned above) gathering as much information as possible about the behaviours, experiences and cognitive ability of the person being diagnosed.
Methods Medical Professionals may use to gather this information can include:
- Parent and child interviews including gathering family history information
- Child involved psychological and psychological-educational testing
- parent- and teacher-completed child behavior rating scales
- parent self-report measures
- direct behavioral observations of the child in natural and clinical settings
- review of prior school and medical records
- individually administered intelligence testing, educational achievement testing or screening for learning disabilities if there are academic challenges
- a standard pediatric examination or neurodevelopmental screening to rule out any unusual medical conditions that might produce ADHD-like symptoms
- additional assessment procedures, including vision and hearing screening, as well as formal speech and language assessment
- *Please note this is not an exhaustive list. Medical Professionals may use other means to gather information and diagnose as research in this area is ongoing and new technologies/methods do emerge. I try to keep the information on here relevant and updated often however I am a busy ADHD coach and this website can become outdated at times so please fact check with your medical professionals!!
What parents can do to help their children?
1. Get an as accurate as possible diagnosis to discover what your child has including any comorbidities (learning differences, anxiety and or any other present challenges) if possible choose a Doctor that has ADHD expertise or is open to Patient-Doctor collaboration style so they will work with you to get an accurate picture before diagnosing. ADHD can be misdiagnosed or missed.
Getting a Psychoeducational assessment or psychological assessment can help to get a clearer picture on what your child is living with more specifically.
A Psychological Assessment is a thorough evaluation of how a person thinks, learns, feels and behaves. It is made up of a set of procedures that are administered and interpreted to obtain a comprehensive picture of a person’s functioning.
A Psychoeducational Assessment is typically less comprehensive than a Psychological Assessment, focusing primarily on ability (intellectual) and achievement (academic) testing
2. After diagnosis you will want to get a strong support team! Suggestions for your team listed below.
3. Look into and Join Programs /Support Groups that understand ADHD or are open to being educated about ADHD!
4. Do Fun things of interest with your children!
1. Get an as accurate as possible diagnosis to discover what your child has including any comorbidities (learning differences, anxiety and or any other present challenges) if possible choose a Doctor that has ADHD expertise or is open to Patient-Doctor collaboration style so they will work with you to get an accurate picture before diagnosing. ADHD can be misdiagnosed or missed.
Getting a Psychoeducational assessment or psychological assessment can help to get a clearer picture on what your child is living with more specifically.
A Psychological Assessment is a thorough evaluation of how a person thinks, learns, feels and behaves. It is made up of a set of procedures that are administered and interpreted to obtain a comprehensive picture of a person’s functioning.
A Psychoeducational Assessment is typically less comprehensive than a Psychological Assessment, focusing primarily on ability (intellectual) and achievement (academic) testing
2. After diagnosis you will want to get a strong support team! Suggestions for your team listed below.
- Doctor that specializes in ADHD especially if you are choosing the medication path. Optimal is a Doctor who has in depth understanding of ADHD and ADHD medications or is open to you sharing information (patient- doctor collaborative style)
- Certified ADHD Coach who specializes in working with Children/Families with ADHD. An ADHD Coach has a deep understanding of the unique challenges related to ADHD that may be getting in the way of your child (and possibly you) achieving success and often interfering with quality of life. The coach works with you to help you get your child set up for success in all areas of their life. (Social, Personal, and Academic) also helping to get your family (it impacts whole family not just the child) on track to get the thriving life you desire and deserve!
- Academic Tutor that has Special Ed Educational background and experience working with children with ADHD and other learning differences
- Therapists that have in-depth understanding of ADHD
- Nutritionist/dietitian that understands and specializes in ADHD
3. Look into and Join Programs /Support Groups that understand ADHD or are open to being educated about ADHD!
- ADHD Parent Power Support Group in Burlington operates from September to May.
- For a list of supportive programs for your children including camps and social-emotional development programs. click here
4. Do Fun things of interest with your children!
- Fun is underestimated!! There is much research done now on the positive effects of “Play” on children and adults with ADHD. Check out this book “PLAYDHD” by Kirsten Milliken Ph. D