Inattentive ADHD
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Anonymous
A full neuropsychological evaluation seems to really be the only way to know. If it is a serious concern, that is — not just mild curiosity. For our kid (and family, really), this is an interruption to daily quality of life and that’s what drove the decision to get the evaluation. If ADHD is not the cause — that’s wonderful; I don’t wish that as a diagnosis on anyone. But I feel that there are 100% some executive function challenges and the testing will clearly ID those (if present), so perhaps some coaching or counseling could be helpful. And, also, I’ve had an ADD diagnosis since grade school and it runs in families. |
Anonymous
Maybe, but my very bright 14 yo sounds exactly like op's child and was recently diagnosed. There is definitely a genetic component because, DH, BIL and nephew all have the same characteristics. |
Anonymous
But that’s my point. Probably 75% of the population could be meet the criteria to be diagnosed and would become more productive and focused individuals with a daily dose of Adderall. The problem is everyone wants perfect kids now: kids that are organized, focused, get As, don’t procrastinate, self disciplined. Except most people aren’t all of these things. The bar for what constitutes ADHD and needs intervention has moved drastically in the past couple decades. |
Anonymous
I’m guessing you’ve never read through a report from a full neuropsych evaluation. The things they test are very specific. It’s not like someone sits you down and just asks if you have trouble focusing. There are hours of detailed tests administered in different ways to get a complete picture of how the test-taker’s brain works, both strengths and weaknesses. I have one child who has ADHD and one child who has ADHD inattentive type with executive functioning disorder. It’s fascinating to see the differences in their various test scores and how their brains work. . |
Anonymous
You seem to lack knowledge. People don’t medicate their kids for perfect kids. While sometimes ADHD is over diagnosed, most parents of kids with legit diagnoses are hesitant to try these meds due to side effects. And I don’t agree that 75% of people would meet criteria. I have a young adult with inattentive ADHD. My younger 2 kids have been evaluated for ADHD (they have other neuro conditions) and do not have it. I do not meet the criteria either. I know plenty of friends who have had their kids tested and ruled out ADHD. |
Anonymous
Neuropsych exams are very informative and schools may request them but just wanted to point out -this is a clinical diagnosis and any child and adolescent psychiatrist and diagnose or rule out. The information from neuropsych testing provides finer grained detail to deficits and strengths but it’s certainly possible to get a diagnosis or rule out without spending thousand on a neuropsych! |
Anonymous
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ADHD is really about executive function. It isn't about focus or attention. It is misnamed.
This series from Dr. Russell Barkley is long but worth watching. It goes over the 30 most important things he believes that families should know about ADHD. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzhbAK1pdPM&list=PLzBixSjmbc8eFl6UX5_wWGP8i0mAs-cvY His entire career has been spent researching, studying and providing clinical services related to diagnosing and treating ADHD. |
Anonymous
It’s simply untrue that 75% of the population could meet the criteria. |
Anonymous
You clearly have no idea how ADHD is evaluated. They ask a lot of questions. For kids they ask Teachers and other adults in their lives to complete evaluations. They are looking for the extremes not the everyday normal lack of focus. But you wouldn’t know that because you have not been through an evaluation. Signed an adult who was told by their Doctor that ADHD was over diagnosed and then diagnosed them after 2 hours of evaluations. |
Anonymous
| What kind of grades is she getting? Typically ADHD already would be evident. |
Anonymous
Agreed. And it’s totally normal to have some academic struggles when put into a more challenging environment (like the selective high school). While I think it may be true that some highly intelligent kids are not diagnosed until later because there is no academic impact, you would typically need see signs much earlier, like difficulty doing chores at home. I know I can completely lose focus on a demanding day at work but I definitely don’t have ADHD. |
Anonymous
Two hours isn’t a lot …. |
Anonymous
By the current definitions, I bet you that 75% of people suddenly put into a more demanding environment would meet the definition. |
Anonymous
I was also 28 so the testing environment could be different than it would be for a child. I brought in a different history and an ability to discuss what was happening in specific situations, that a child couldn’t. My doctor flat out told me she thought it was anxiety and depression but ended up diagnosing ADHD and depression. Testing that is well done for a child involves evaluations from adults in their lives, teachers, coaches, and others who have regular interaction with the kid, plus evaluation that can take place over days. A full evaluation is very in-depth. |
Anonymous
Testing for an adult should also involve talking to parents and looking at old report cards etc. |