Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A diagnosis of ADHD alone does not qualify a child to receive services within the public school system. To be eligible for services, their ADHD symptoms must negatively impact school performance (academic, behavioral, and/or social) and in most cases a psychoeducational evaluation must be performed. Since ADHD has varying levels of severity, this evaluation helps determine the child’s strengths and weaknesses in particular areas as well as provides pertinent information which may be useful in the development of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). A full psychoeducational evaluation from ABC Testing Services LLC, may include testing in the following areas:

Academic

Adaptive Functioning

Behavior Rating Scales

Cognitive

Executive Functioning

Visual-Motor Integration

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), a child with ADHD might:

  • Frequently daydreams
  • Forget or lose things frequently
  • Squirm or fidget
  • Talk too much
  • Make careless mistakes or take unnecessary risks
  • Have a hard time resisting temptation
  • Have trouble taking turns
  • Have difficulty getting along with others

 

Causes and Risk Factors

The average age of onset is 7 years old and can continue through adolescence and into adulthood. Research has shown that boys are four times more at risk than girls. Furthermore, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that in addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including:

  • Brain injury
  • Environmental exposures (e.g., lead)
  • Alcohol and tobacco use during pregnancy
  • Premature delivery
  • Low birth weight

Research does not support the popularly held views that ADHD is caused by eating too much sugar, watching too much television, parenting, or social and environmental factors such as poverty or family chaos. Although, symptoms may be exacerbated by the aforementioned, evidence is not strong enough to conclude that they are the main causes of ADHD.

 

References:

National Institute of Mental Health

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (2016, March). Retrieved from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml#part_145444

Center for Disease Control

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (2016, January 22). Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/