Check this list before rushing to diagnosis

A dad recently contacted me with concerns about his son getting fast-tracked into an ADHD diagnosis and starting medication. I told him to make certain that he’s reviewed my checklist below of the common things that can mask as ADHD symptoms and easily lead a child into a wrong diagnosis.

(At School)

– Teachers who aren’t sensitive to or don’t have experience working with active boys

– Heavy language-based education and not enough hands-on tasks

– Few motor breaks throughout the class day and short to no-recess time to release the normal high activity needs of many boys

– Boys who are younger than their peers, even by a few weeks or months, often get accidentally diagnosed as having ADHD – they’re just less mature and will catch up

(At Home)

– Food additives and preservatives have been indicated in hyperactivity

– Allergies can exacerbate behavior issues

– Exposure to lead paint and other neurotoxins

– Hearing or vision problems

– An undiagnosed learning disability

– High screen/tv exposure

– Lack of sleep

– Anxiety

– Marital discord and any other family based stresses that make kids feel insecure or anxious are notorious for masking as ADHD

There are so many things that can influence a child’s attentional skills and his ability to block out extraneous information to focus. There are also many things that ramp up motor activity, especially when a child is being asked to sit still and engage in less novel or enjoyable tasks.  So don’t think ADHD first, but instead, review possible other causes first.

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