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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 News

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 News... Tips To Manage ADHD In Adults ADHD in adults is usually better managed with acceptance, understanding and appropriate education as to what to do and what not to do when treating ADHD. The following tips will hopefully help in making ADHD less of a problem but more of a challenge that – with support and awareness – could easily be overcome. First things first, learn adhd The best weapon against adhd is education. A better informed adhd person is a person that well understands what adhd is and what are the possible treatments available for adhd. Read up on adhd. Better yet, ask around those who have worked with adhd or those who may have adhd themselves. It would be best to converse with professionals. You yourself may be able to design a treatment that suits your personal needs. It is also best that you help involve other people especially those you live or interact with constantly. Once they understand the adhd concept, they will also find it easier to know how to relate with you as well. Learn to listen It would help adhd sufferers if they listen to the feedback they receive from the persons they trust. It has been known that children and adult suffers of adhd observe themselves very poorly that they are usually in self-denial. Join adhd support groups Believe it or not, most of the information that pertains to adhd are not usually found in books but are actually stored inside the minds of adhd sufferers. When adhd groups come together, their experiences could be considered as valid information that could help each adhd adult. Do not be afraid to be yourself Adhd sufferers would feel happy to know that they need not feel imprisoned by careers or any other traditional manners of living with this disorder. As much as possible, try to allow yourself the freedom to just be your honest self....