Dear Teachers Q & A

The Way to Diagnose ADHD

Question: My third grader’s teacher recently suggested my third grader has ADHD because she is so inattentive in class. I thought that the symptoms of ADHD were hyperactive impulsive behavior. Could the teacher be right? – Unsure

Answer: Your child’s teacher may or may not be right about this. You do need to find out as soon as possible, for it is these children who have suffered the greatest learning loss during the pandemic. A number of professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, neurologists, school counselors, doctors, nurse practitioners and social workers, have the expertise to make an exact diagnosis. Diagnosing for ADHD may not be covered by your health insurance.

ADDitudeMag.com describes three presentations of ADHD. One is the predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation where a child is blurting out answers in class. There is also the predominantly inattentive type in which focus and attention problems are the primary symptoms rather than hyperactivity. And the third presentation is where both inattention and impulsivity go hand in hand.

          Unfortunately, the signs of inattentive ADHD, which is found predominantly in girls, is often overlooked by parents, teachers and medical professionals, so they rarely get the treatment they need. Look at the signs of inattentive ADHD below to begin investigating whether your child has this type of ADHD.

The American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic manual for ADHD, the DSM-V, lists these nine symptoms of inattentive ADHD. At least six of these must be present and must significantly disrupt a child’s life in order to merit a diagnosis.

• Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, etc.
• Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or activities (e.g., easily distracted).
• Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
• Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork or chores (e.g., loses focus, sidetracked).
• Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.
• Often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time.
• Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g., school materials, lunch, mobile phone).
• Is often forgetful in daily activities.

If your child has ADHD, you must become an expert on the subject to ensure she gets the best possible help at school. Fortunately, there are several excellent organizations that will help you do this. They are Attention Deficit Disorder Association, CHADD, National Resource Center on ADHD, the Council for Exceptional Children and the American Psychiatric Association.  And you must get acquainted with Wrightslaw to find out all the legal aspects of getting the best help for your daughter at school. Although some blogs on ADHD can be extremely helpful, others contain misleading or inaccurate information. Be sure to avoid any that are selling cures for ADHD.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.

Parents should send questions and comments to DearTeacher@DearTeacher.com and to learn more about helping their children succeed in school visit the DearTeacher website.

©Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2021