ADHD REQUIRES A MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in any form, inattentive type, combined type etc., must be diagnosed medically. An educator or social worker cannot diagnose this disorder on their own. They may however suggest further investigation of the symptoms.

The behaviours and learning difficulties children with ADHD have are pervasive, lasting more than six months and appearing within a variety of settings (classroom, playground, nursery school, home, other activities.)


The parents or guardians of a child whom they suspect may have ADHD must:

1. Arrange for a psycho-educational assessment, conducted by either a psychologist, a specialized clinic or the school board. Parents will be asked for a family and educational history of the child. A number of educational assessment tests will be conducted with your child. For a complete range of testing, which will help eliminate other possible causes of the symptoms and help to diagnose comorbitities we at the ADRN recommend a full assessment outside the school. The results should be written up in a comprehensive report which usually includes strategies for helping the child and should be discussed with you in person by the professional conducting the assessment.

2. Arrange for a medical examination with a family doctor, paediatrician, or psychiatrist who is informed about ADHD. These professionals will test for other possible medical conditions which may cause symptoms which mimic ADHD (for example, thyroid dysfunction, some allergies, epilepsy). They will also ask for a family and educational history of the child. A sight and hearing test is also very important  to rule out these problems. Based on this information they will make a subjective diagnosis and suggest various strategies including medication if applicable.

If the parents require one, doctors may provide a letter informing the school of their diagnosis. The decision of whether to give the child medication is the parents' decision, although we strongly recommend older children be kept informed and empowered about their treatment. A definitive diagnosis of ADHD (such as a blood test) is not available at this time, however hopes of this occurring in the near future are good as many of the genes causing this disorder are now being identified.


An educational and medical history is very useful so keep a permanent file of everything the child has in terms of documentation: report cards, minutes from teacher-parent meetings, medical test results, birth history, developmental history, etc.. Also useful is a record of your concerns (a list of your child's strengths and areas of need). Take this with you everywhere -- doctors, school, psychologists -- and keep it up to date.

For more thorough information on the education identification process and your child’s rights to an education please go to www.caddac.ca and look under Advocacy

It is often beneficial for parents to know what to expect. This is the usual sequence of events.

1. The parents and teachers of a child notice he/she is having some difficulties. They consult together and decide to investigate the causes.

2. The parents arrange for a psycho-educational assessment either through the    school or independently via psychologist, clinic or psychiatrist.

3. The parents take the results of that assessment (Yes, you should be able to get a written copy of it from the school board!) to a doctor who then does a medical examination.

4. The parents request a meeting with their child's teacher and principal (in    writing). Bring your reports and history file along. The parents have the right to decide whether or not to have their child formally identified as a child with special needs, which is accomplished by meeting with the IPRC (Identification, Placement & Review Committee). This also needs to be requested in writing. Many parents are wary of "labeling" their children. At the ADRN we strongly recommend identification because it is the only way to ensure the child's rights to reasonable accommodation in their classrooms. The rights of children with special needs are protected by the Education Act.

5. The IPRC meets yearly to review the child's progress and placement. You   have the right to attend these meetings and offer input. The final decision of your child's placement is yours. If you are unsure about the recommendations you have the right to take the forms home and do more research.

6. An identified child must have an I.E.P. (Individual Education Plan) written every year and you will have access to this.  

For information on classroom accommodations and strategies please access www.caddac.ca and look under Advocacy, Supporting Documents

Children with ADHD grow up to be adults with ADHD. The more successful they are as children the better chance they have of becoming happy and successful adults.

For information on guiding principles for diagnosis and treatment access www.add.org/gp98.htm .