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Questions to ask yourself and your family before seeking an ADHD evaluation for your child.
You have heard about ADHD. You are noticing your child struggling with attention, impulse control, or being still. Now you are starting to wonder if this is just his personality or if there is something else going on. And you finally ask yourself, “should I get my child evaluated for ADHD?”
Unfortunately I cannot answer that question for you. But I can give you a list of questions to ask yourself and your family before seeking an ADHD evaluation for your child! The answers to those questions will help you decide if you should have your child evaluated for ADHD.
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As an ADHD parent of ADHD children, I know how overwhelming and confusing this stage can be. I am here to support you in any way I can. I hope that my experience and the information I have collected will help smooth the way for you and your family. Hang in there, you are not alone!
Should I get my Child Evaluated for ADHD?
Questions to ask yourself and your family before seeking an ADHD evaluation for your child.
The first thing that tipped my off about my son’s ADHD was his inability to sit still for meals. It was consistent and it was disruptive. You may have noticed something similar in your child. Or maybe she really struggles with listening and following directions. Another possibility is noticing frequent bouts of anger or tantrums.
These are all common symptoms of ADHD. And there are others that may surprise you. If you are curious about whether your child’s behavior is symptomatic of ADHD, check out my post 7 Surprising Symptoms of ADHD. If some of them sound familiar, it may be time to think about having your child evaluated by a health care professional. Here are some other question to ask yourself and your family before seeking an ADHD evaluation…
Are their behaviors new, or has this pattern of behavior been prevalent for quite a while?
All children go through phases that are frustrating for them and their families. No doubt you have already been through several over the course of your child’s life. When you notice behaviors that you suspect may be related to ADHD, the first question to ask is whether or not these behaviors are new or consistent.
When I realized that my son was struggling to sit through meals, I asked myself how often it happened. And I realized that it was not a new thing in our lives. It had been happening for quite awhile. Often when we are in the thick of things, just trying to do all the everyday tasks, we can miss things. Like how our children’s behaviors have become a pattern.
If you aren’t sure if the behavior is consistent, pay close attention for a few days and keep track. You can write down how often you notice the behaviors and look for patterns. If the symptoms or behaviors that concern you have become consistent, it may be time to seek out an evaluation.
How much is their struggle to control their impulses effecting their life? School, relationships, etc.
One main symptom of ADHD is struggling with impulse control. The tricky part about this one is that all kids have trouble controlling their impulses to some degree. Especially the younger ones. So the question to ask yourself here is whether or not it is negatively impacting your child’s school performance and relationships.
You can see the impacts of a lack of impulse control at home. But, without the input from teachers it can be harder to know what is going on at school. Many teachers will reach out if they notice your child struggling in any area. But don’t be afraid to make the first move and contact them yourself.
Ask if they have noticed the same things that you have witnessed at home. And ask if it seems to be impacting your child’s social relationships and work at school. Together you will be able to determine if you need to take the next steps and contact your child’s doctor.
Do they struggle with self esteem?
Sadly, many kiddos with ADHD struggle with self esteem. Because they have to work so much harder to do some things and many tasks become a struggle for them, they start to feel like they just aren’t good enough. That they will never figure it out. It is frustrating for our children and heartbreaking for us as parents.
If you notice your child is struggling with self esteem and also displays symptoms of ADHD that could be a good indication that it is time to seek medical help. And take heart! There are ways that you can help your child boost their self esteem. For just one example, check out my post The Powerful Way to Build Self-Esteem in your ADHD Child.
Does it feel like you’re at war with your own child more than it feels like you enjoy them?
All children challenge their parents as they grow. It is a totally normal part of exploring and demanding independence. But with ADHD kids, the battles can seem almost endless. That is because our children aren’t just asserting their independence.
They are also legitimately struggling to complete everyday tasks and exist in a neurotypical world. It is not their fault (or yours!) but it can make for a very stressful existence if left untreated. If you feel like you are spending less and less time enjoying your child because so much of the day is a battle, it is time to seek help.
None of us wants to see our children having a hard time. And we don’t want to always be on their case about something. With the right help and treatment, your child will be much happier and more capable. His self esteem will grow and you will all be able to enjoy more of the time that you spend together.
Kids are still kids and parents are still parents. So I can’t promise you a completely battle free existence. But I know from experience that the right diagnosis and treatment can bring those clashes back to a more normal level and frequency. And that is a huge win for all who are involved!
Should I get my Child Evaluated for ADHD?
You have asked yourself all of these questions and you have paid close attention to the answers. Now what do you do? If you feel like a lot of this sounds all too familiar, you may decide that it is time to call in the professionals.
I know that this stage can be a bit overwhelming too. And I can help! You can read my article, I Think my Child has ADHD Now What? to learn about the next steps to take. And know that there are many of us who have been exactly where you are today. And, thankfully, we can tell you that it does get better!
Once you have a diagnosis you will be able to work with the medical and educational experts in your child’s life to come up with a plan. Armed with the right information and a treatment plan you will help your child to lead a happy and rewarding life!
What was it that made you suspect your child may have ADHD? Let me know in the comments below. I bet you will find that others have shared a similar experience. And hang in there, you are already on the right track! Noticing that there is a problem and seeking out answers is the first step towards solutions.
