The Process Of Adhd Diagnosis
Why is ADHD Has Only Just Become Prevalent?
Introduction of new health policies and guidelines meant that people have a right to information concerning their health. They raised an emphasis ON the expectation that every child has a need and right to opportunities that will help them reach their optimal potential in their physical mental and social development. One of the emphases has been ON the process of gaining consent and the child protection act. People are now taking the responsibility of their health more than ever before. The combination of these awareness have led to more people aware and wanting to know more about what their children are suffering from. The knowledge gained in the process gives parents insight to deal and cope with their child's needs.
What Should You Expect From The Assessment Process of Diagnosing ADHD
Reaching a diagnosis of such condition requires commitment from a combination of appropriate health professionals and the parents to gather as much information as its possible about the child' s presenting problems. It is therefore important to note that this process will not take place overnight. Usually a series of assessments are carried out to help build a concrete diagnosis of ADHD.
There are five essential assessments that must be carried out.
Medical Assessment:
This assessment is usually carried out by a Pediatrician. The Pediatrician gathers a FULL medical and any family history that is necessary. Relevant neurological examinations may be carried out to ensure that there is no nervous function abnormality that may be contributing to the child's difficulties. Further specialist assessments focusing ON specific problems may be recommended such as speech and language, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, psychiatrist, audiology and as well as ophthalmology. The pediatrician would normally give an expert opinion ON which assessments would be necessary.
Developmental Assessment:
This assessment focuses ON the child's motor development. Standardized and non-standardized tests as well as clinical observations of a child's performance and behavior may be administered by relevant professionals. The assessment determines which skills the child may be experiencing a developmental delay. The skills include fine motor, gross motor, sensory processing and modulation, language, social and emotional and intellectual skills.
Psycho-Educational Assessment:
This is an assessment consisting of psychological and academic assessment. The assessment is designed to establish the child's intellectual and educational achievement levels. One of the familiar tests you may recognize is IQ (Intelligent Quotient) test. The assessment establishes how brain processing information impacts ON school learning.
Cognitive Assessment:
This assessment is carried out mainly by a qualified psychologist. It is a process used to determine the child's cognitive strength and weakness. Assessment tests primarily use pen and paper tasks as well as observation of child's behavior to assess abilities in memory, attention and concentration, language skills, problem solving skills and memory and intellectual function.
A dedicated occupational therapist and physical therapist help to gather helpful information and tips and guidelines concerned with child development. The website is a result of collaboration from speech and language therapists, pediatricians, psychologist and nurses who willingly supply information based ON their experience as well as evidence gathered from research and evidence based practice.Get more tips and help by subscribing to our newsletter at: http://www.growchild.com.
