ADHD being misdiagnosed is a hot topic among parents and teachers these days. Statistics say that any given elementary classroom will have one to three ADHD students. This is overwhelming for parents and teachers who deal with the effects of ADHD in the classroom, on the playground, and in the home. But are these statistics accurate, or are they due to misdiagnosis?
When a child is overly active, can't pay attention, and doesn't listen well, there is a trend in our nation that causes parents, teachers, and even doctors to jump to ADHD as the root cause of the problem. Whether ADHD being misdiagnosed is because it is a very publicized condition, because it is easily medicated, or because there actually are more children now who have ADHD than there were thirty years ago, this is a real problem.
One solution to the problem of this disorder being misdiagnosed lies in education. Many teachers and parents are unaware of other conditions and disabilities that may look like ADHD on the surface, and educating these people about these other conditions may help them separate the real cases of ADHD from the other conditions masquerading as ADHD.
Because teachers and parents are instrumental in getting a child diagnosed with ADHD in the first place, they need to know what the symptoms of ADHD are and what the other conditions that are similar to ADHD look like. To avoid ADHD being misdiagnosed in a child you care about, you should know the following information:
ADHD Symptoms
The symptoms of ADHD include:
Being unable to pay attention during even short tasks.
Rarely being able to follow directions.
Having trouble finishing assignments and other tasks.
Procrastinating often.
Jumping from one activity to the next without finishing things.
Being unable to follow a normal conversation.
Not being able to play quiet or calm games.
Being unable to sit still for more than a few minutes at a time.
Running around and climbing on things at the wrong time.
Making rash decisions.
Talking too much.
Other Conditions that May Look Like ADHD
The following are just some disorders and conditions that can appear to be ADHD:
Childhood Depression - An inability to pay attention and finish tasks is one symptom of both ADHD and depression.
Some forms of Autism - Aspergers children, in particular, may look ADHD on the surface, but they are distracted by interior rather than exterior stimuli.
Auditory Processing Disorder - Children who can't understand what you're saying will seem to be acting up even when they don't mean to.
Dyslexia and other Learning Disorders - Children who get frustrated because they can't complete their homework may be misdiagnosed with ADHD, as well.
Tourette's Syndrome - Tourette's and ADHD have many common symptoms and are actually closely linked genetically.
These aren't the only conditions that might be the cause of ADHD being misdiagnosed, and it often takes lots of time and tests to determine whether or not a child has any one of these disorders. The best way, though, to avoid is to know your child inside and out and to help him or her control ADHD-like symptoms in safe, natural ways.
One way to control ADHD-like symptoms, even if they are caused by another condition or disorder, is to put your child on a regimen of all-natural homeopathic remedies. Because ADHD and some other childhood disorders are thought to be caused or exacerbated by chemical imbalances and dietary deficits, this type of all-natural treatment for children will help your child with concentration, impulse control, and hyperactivity. A good homeopathic remedy will contain Verta alb, Hyoscyamus, and Arsen iod to help in each of these areas. Ensure any homeopathic remedy you purchase has been approved by a qualified homeopath.
While parenting can be overwhelming at times, especially if you think your child may be suffering from a disorder like ADHD, doing your own independent research can help to ensure your child is not misdiagnosed. And do try to breath easier knowing you can even take steps before a diagnosis to help reduce the ADHD symptoms.
Shannon Pollock is a passionate advocate of natural health remedies who has been researching their use for many years. Find out more about some of the most effective treatments for ADHD on her site, Natural Health Remedies and More.
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