Diagnosis of ADHD is made by taking a history of the individual and their symptoms. The Connor's test is usually given to the teacher(s) and the family. It is also important to rule out other possibilities. Vision and hearing need to be checked to make sure the symptoms are not related to those areas instead of inattention. Is the child not following directions because he can't hear, can't see the board or because he isn't paying attention? Is this a temporary problem due to a difficult situation or depression, or is it an ongoing problem? Do either of the parents have attention problems?

I cannot speak for the professionals as to whether or not they ruled out other possibilities or how thorough they were. There are no "tests" that can be used to make the diagnosis. If the professionals are knowledgeable and experienced in diagnosing and treating ADHD, the likelihood that the diagnosis is accurate is more likely. If the doctor doesn't know much about ADD then I would probably get a second opinion from someone knowledgeable and experienced with ADHD.

Low self-esteem is quite common with ADHD but it is not always evident to others who know them. Many times, individuals who appear cocky and arrogant, are actually suffering from low self-esteem.

Educate yourself about ADHD. Unfortunately, there are many myths about ADHD that are commonly believed. Make sure you get your information from reputable, scientific sources not from the media. "All About Attention Deficit Disorder" by Dr. Thomas Phelan , "Driven to Distraction" by Ed Hallowell and John Ratey, two psychiatrists who have ADHD themselves, and books by Russell Barkley, Dr. Thomas E. Brown, and the website www.chadd.org are some good places to start.

Ask the professionals for additional information and recommended reading on ADHD. If you want to be the best advocate for your son, you need to be informed.

Good luck,

Elaine

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Hello jaxandsassy:

You're right... it is frightening - and overwhelming - to hear a diagnosis so quickly and with so little (apparent) testing. It is well within your right to get a second opinion for your son, and it is certainly a good idea (as you suggested) to begin trying alternative treatments first. Summer is the perfect time to do that - you have about a month left to watch for improvements in behavior and focus before you consider starting the school year with medication (if necessary, assuming a diagnosis).

Here are some ADDitude articles that I think will be really helpful for you...

Getting an ADHD Diagnosis: 3 Common Mistakes: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1876.html

About ADHD Children: ADD Diagnosis and Treatment: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/934.html

Maybe It’s Not ADHD After All: About Common Learning Disabilities: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/724.html

The ADDitude Guide to Alternative ADHD Treatment: http://www.additudemag.com/RCLP/sub/2729.html

I hope this helps!

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