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Author:
Tess Thompson

By Tess Thompson

Diagnosing a learning disability or a medical condition like ADHD can be complicated and inexact. In the case of ADHD, many of the telltale symptoms are also often symptoms of regular childhood behavior -- restlessness, rowdiness, and a tendency to be easily distracted. ADHD is treated differently from learning disabilities because it is thought to be different in nature. While most learning disabilities can be diagnosed through specific testing, ADHD requires a more subtle diagnosis through comprehensive evaluation.

A learning disability is generally caused by a neurological difference in the brain structure of a child that makes it difficult for him or her to process information in the same way as others. Learning disabilities rarely have anything to do with intelligence level and are generally not treated with medication, as medication can do nothing to change a brain's "wiring," or structure. Children with learning disabilities have to be trained to compensate for them, and after they are diagnosed, schools can help them by providing extra time on tests or other taking other special measures.

ADHD is not considered to be a learning disability as it is thought to be caused by an absence of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine in parts of the brain, and not necessarily by the brain's "wiring." Medication can sometimes be used as a successful child ADHD treatment because certain kinds increase the production of neurotransmitters (such as Ritalin), but these medications can also cause disturbing side effects in some children.

In order for your child to be diagnosed with ADHD, he or she must have consistently exhibited ADHD characteristics for an extended period of time and in different environments (school, home, play..etc). Because many of the symptoms of ADHD are also common symptoms of depression or anxiety, the doctor or psychologist evaluating your child will want to make sure that your child is not simply reacting to specific situations. According to the Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is often used in ADHD research studies, common symptoms include:

-Difficulty organizing tasks and activities

-Often losing things necessary for tasks or activities

-Often easily distracted by outside stimuli

-Not listening when spoken to directly

-Difficulty awaiting turn

-Difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly

There is no single specific test that will diagnose ADHD and each child will exhibit symptoms in a slightly different way. As there are also no genetic indicators of ADHD, diagnosis requires extensive and thorough evaluation. The U.S. Department of Education does not require a clinical diagnosis, which means that for school purposes, if a school allows it, a school psychologist can diagnose ADHD in your child. If after careful consultation you determine that your child does have ADHD, be sure to evaluate multiple behavioral and medical or herbal options for treatment for ADHD before deciding on the one you feel is best for your child.

About the author:

Tess Thompson is a Homeopathic Practitioner, Reflexologist, Certified Aromatherapist, and Herbalist who contributes to Native Remedies - where you can find Guaranteed, Homeopathic and Herbal Remedies for many health conditions including the natural treatment of ADHD and child ADHD treatment.

| Article Keywords: ADHD

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to ADHD... ADD - Causes and Diet Parenting, good or bad does not cause Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). A calm stable home may help ease some children, while a home with problems may lead to more frustration for a child with ADD/ADHD, but these are not the causes of ADD/ADHD. Studies show that ADD and ADHD are linked to genetics. If a parent had ADD or ADHD the child has a seventy percent chance of also having it. Studies show that children who exhibit ADD and ADHD qualities do not have the proper nutrients for brain functioning. Because the body is not receiving important nutrients, the brain can not perform properly. Many children with ADD or ADHD have lower levels of amino acids and zinc. Low levels of essential fatty acids (EFAs) also play a very important role in ADD/ADHD. Another possible factor that may contribute to ADD and ADHD is food allergies. Take out highly allergenic foods and then watch your child's behaviour then add the foods back in to the diet. Do this slowly - one food at a time every two weeks. You may notice a behavior change when adding a certain food back into the diet. This is how you can determine if a certain food or foods is causing ADD/ADHD symptoms. Common allergy foods that lead to ADD/ADHD symptoms are chocolate, wheat, corn, eggs, sugar and milk. It is important to find the causes of ADD/ADHD. Many professionals prefer other avenues than going straight to drugs for help. If you can identify the main issue causing the ADD/ADHD then you can hopefully avoid the medications. Drugs will not cure ADD/ADHD. They may just help with the symptoms. Diet We stated above that Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are very important to brain functioning. There are low levels of EFAs in children with ADD/ADHD. The brain...