" It is estimated that less that fifteen percent of children and adolescents with ADHD experience just adhd," "The majority experience at least one comorbid problem significant minority the [experience] two to three additional problems." (Pelham, W. 1997).
Ideally, there are several professionals involved in the management of a person ADHD. Successful treatment depends upon continuous feedback from parents, teachers, physicians, and other professionals. ADD cannot be diagnosed on the basis of a single test. Underachievement in school should be a red flag signaling for ADD or other learning problems.
The best indicators of ADD are diagnostic criteria contained in the DSM IV. Some of the primary behaviors that parents may see include inattention and impulsivity, and those who have ADHD, hyperactivity in childhood. .
A Pediatric Center, in Stone Mountain, Georgia uses a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and assessment for ADD that can last six to eight hours. The assessment includes a family interview to obtain a detailed history on the teenager and family; behavioral assessments completed by the youngster, parent, and teachers; administration of an intelligence test; academic assessment; a physical examination; and sometimes classroom observation. The assessment process is also intended to diagnose or rule out other problems such as learning disabilities, depression, bipolar disorder, conduct disorder, or mental retardation. (Haber, J. 2000).
The presence of these behaviors may be identified and confirmed based upon information from: DSM IV diagnostic criteria, the childhood history from the parents, Description of school performance, Official school records, standardized academic achievement tests such as the IWOA Test of Basic Skills; Individualized Education Plans (IEP); school of psychological evaluations. Helpful indicators include formal tests, such as: Behavior rating scales, Academic and intellectual testing to help identify academics strengths and learning problems.