Do We or Don’t We Want an ADHD “Diagnosis”? Pros/Cons

[Anonymous]

Better for the schools to know during the application process if your DD has an ADHD diagnosis, then to have it come up later and the school asks your child to leave the school because they can't handle the behaviors.

[Anonymous]

PP from 11:40 here ... not using the quote button to avoid an extensively long post, but I'll try to address all questions about it.

1st, how would they know? Today, it'll mainly through self-disclosure on applications. Take the FAA example. There's an FAA medical certificate that requires an application / medical history form and an exam by an FAA-certified doctor. One of the questions on that exam is "have you ever been diagnosed with..." a long list of conditions, including ADD/ADHD. Heavy emphasis on the "ever" - they truly are asking if you've ever had this in your lifetime.

Some items on that list simply require an explanation or supporting documentation, and then they can issue the medical certificate. For example, I have to check "yes" to diabetes because I had gestational diabetes 10 years ago - but I just show records from my doctor that it resolved after childbirth, and now it's a non-issue (but I still have to report it on every recurring application). Some of the items, including ADD/ADHD, are considered disqualifying. The FAA doesn't consider ADD/ADHD to be a condition that you can "grow out of" or "manage"; if you had it once, you have it forever. So, generally speaking, the FAA finds out because people go to fill out the required application and check "yes" in that box (often not understanding the implications until after they've done it), and the application is denied.

If you do have a childhood diagnosis like this and check "no" on your application, that's in violation of a couple of federal laws, which could have penalties ranging from fines to loss of certificates if they find out. They might not ever find out ... but as records become more electronic and centralized, I think our kids are going to have smaller chances of slipping under the radar on stuff like this. Regardless, I wouldn't advocate lying on a federal form.

To the other PP who sought services in 2nd grade - if your child was physically aggressive, then you did the right thing! This is all about weighing near term benefit with potential long-term effects. If treatment is needed, it's needed, and you shouldn't be deterred by worrying about what she "may" want to do in 20 years. The FAA exam affects a very small percentage of the population! In the long run, she's better off by having the condition treated. I hope your child got the help she deserves and is managing well. I'm only offering these issues up as a consideration for those borderline cases where a diagnosis may not have as much benefit and people are looking for all pros and cons.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:PP from 11:40 here ... not using the quote button to avoid an extensively long post, but I'll try to address all questions about it.

1st, how would they know? Today, it'll mainly through self-disclosure on applications. Take the FAA example. There's an FAA medical certificate that requires an application / medical history form and an exam by an FAA-certified doctor. One of the questions on that exam is "have you ever been diagnosed with..." a long list of conditions, including ADD/ADHD. Heavy emphasis on the "ever" - they truly are asking if you've ever had this in your lifetime.

Some items on that list simply require an explanation or supporting documentation, and then they can issue the medical certificate. For example, I have to check "yes" to diabetes because I had gestational diabetes 10 years ago - but I just show records from my doctor that it resolved after childbirth, and now it's a non-issue (but I still have to report it on every recurring application). Some of the items, including ADD/ADHD, are considered disqualifying. The FAA doesn't consider ADD/ADHD to be a condition that you can "grow out of" or "manage"; if you had it once, you have it forever. So, generally speaking, the FAA finds out because people go to fill out the required application and check "yes" in that box (often not understanding the implications until after they've done it), and the application is denied.

If you do have a childhood diagnosis like this and check "no" on your application, that's in violation of a couple of federal laws, which could have penalties ranging from fines to loss of certificates if they find out. They might not ever find out ... but as records become more electronic and centralized, I think our kids are going to have smaller chances of slipping under the radar on stuff like this. Regardless, I wouldn't advocate lying on a federal form.

To the other PP who sought services in 2nd grade - if your child was physically aggressive, then you did the right thing! This is all about weighing near term benefit with potential long-term effects. If treatment is needed, it's needed, and you shouldn't be deterred by worrying about what she "may" want to do in 20 years. The FAA exam affects a very small percentage of the population! In the long run, she's better off by having the condition treated. I hope your child got the help she deserves and is managing well. I'm only offering these issues up as a consideration for those borderline cases where a diagnosis may not have as much benefit and people are looking for all pros and cons.

You do realize your are posting on a special needs forum? Why do you think it is appropriate to come on here and tell parents that the diagnoses they are getting can hold their children back from work one day, are you really that insensitive or do you just feel like being in a superior mood today?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Better for the schools to know during the application process if your DD has an ADHD diagnosis, then to have it come up later and the school asks your child to leave the school because they can't handle the behaviors.

ADHD can also include inattentive and no behavior issues.

[Anonymous]

I would opt no.

[Anonymous]

I am pretty confused by the OP. If a child has ADHD, then there is definitely benefit to having an official testing and diagnosis done, even if a child doesn't need special accommodations for it, or doesn't' need it yet. There is no benefit to having ADHD, at least not for my DD that we could say, "it is great she has ADHD!!" But, her having it and having it on record helps with the school, with her own ways to manage, with medication. I think it was a very good thing that her psychiatrist insisted she gets fully tested and then prescribed medication, as opposed to what I have heard just prescribing medication without the proper testing. I quite frankly don't care if it is stigmatizing, I don't have that luxury. It is not like she and me, her parent, went looking for a fake diagnosis. I think that the way your post reads is, "We'll claim she has ADHD if she can benefit from it." It rubs me wrong as a parent of a child who is struggling with severe ADHD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP from 11:40 here ... not using the quote button to avoid an extensively long post, but I'll try to address all questions about it.

1st, how would they know? Today, it'll mainly through self-disclosure on applications. Take the FAA example. There's an FAA medical certificate that requires an application / medical history form and an exam by an FAA-certified doctor. One of the questions on that exam is "have you ever been diagnosed with..." a long list of conditions, including ADD/ADHD. Heavy emphasis on the "ever" - they truly are asking if you've ever had this in your lifetime.

Some items on that list simply require an explanation or supporting documentation, and then they can issue the medical certificate. For example, I have to check "yes" to diabetes because I had gestational diabetes 10 years ago - but I just show records from my doctor that it resolved after childbirth, and now it's a non-issue (but I still have to report it on every recurring application). Some of the items, including ADD/ADHD, are considered disqualifying. The FAA doesn't consider ADD/ADHD to be a condition that you can "grow out of" or "manage"; if you had it once, you have it forever. So, generally speaking, the FAA finds out because people go to fill out the required application and check "yes" in that box (often not understanding the implications until after they've done it), and the application is denied.

If you do have a childhood diagnosis like this and check "no" on your application, that's in violation of a couple of federal laws, which could have penalties ranging from fines to loss of certificates if they find out. They might not ever find out ... but as records become more electronic and centralized, I think our kids are going to have smaller chances of slipping under the radar on stuff like this. Regardless, I wouldn't advocate lying on a federal form.

To the other PP who sought services in 2nd grade - if your child was physically aggressive, then you did the right thing! This is all about weighing near term benefit with potential long-term effects. If treatment is needed, it's needed, and you shouldn't be deterred by worrying about what she "may" want to do in 20 years. The FAA exam affects a very small percentage of the population! In the long run, she's better off by having the condition treated. I hope your child got the help she deserves and is managing well. I'm only offering these issues up as a consideration for those borderline cases where a diagnosis may not have as much benefit and people are looking for all pros and cons.

You do realize your are posting on a special needs forum? Why do you think it is appropriate to come on here and tell parents that the diagnoses they are getting can hold their children back from work one day, are you really that insensitive or do you just feel like being in a superior mood today?

I think PP is trying to be helpful. As a special ed parent, I'm used to my child having more hardships. I don't need people to sugar coat life.

[Anonymous]

If the ADHD assessment is "borderline," I would say hold off on the diagnosis and you can re-assess in a couple of months or years if you feel your child's behavior has deteriorated.

[Anonymous]

Last pp again. My DD's evaluation and testing had a full report with it. Some things about anxiety that maybe DD would have like to keep to herself. That was not an option, the whole evaluation had to be turned into school. I would be weary of a psychologist or similar professional who is willing to include or not include diagnosis based on parental preference. Her anxiety didn't weigh much with the school, and most accommodations were standard for her major school issue, which is ADHD.

[Anonymous]

What other clearances are hard to get with ADHD?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP from 11:40 here ... not using the quote button to avoid an extensively long post, but I'll try to address all questions about it.

1st, how would they know? Today, it'll mainly through self-disclosure on applications. Take the FAA example. There's an FAA medical certificate that requires an application / medical history form and an exam by an FAA-certified doctor. One of the questions on that exam is "have you ever been diagnosed with..." a long list of conditions, including ADD/ADHD. Heavy emphasis on the "ever" - they truly are asking if you've ever had this in your lifetime.

Some items on that list simply require an explanation or supporting documentation, and then they can issue the medical certificate. For example, I have to check "yes" to diabetes because I had gestational diabetes 10 years ago - but I just show records from my doctor that it resolved after childbirth, and now it's a non-issue (but I still have to report it on every recurring application). Some of the items, including ADD/ADHD, are considered disqualifying. The FAA doesn't consider ADD/ADHD to be a condition that you can "grow out of" or "manage"; if you had it once, you have it forever. So, generally speaking, the FAA finds out because people go to fill out the required application and check "yes" in that box (often not understanding the implications until after they've done it), and the application is denied.

If you do have a childhood diagnosis like this and check "no" on your application, that's in violation of a couple of federal laws, which could have penalties ranging from fines to loss of certificates if they find out. They might not ever find out ... but as records become more electronic and centralized, I think our kids are going to have smaller chances of slipping under the radar on stuff like this. Regardless, I wouldn't advocate lying on a federal form.

To the other PP who sought services in 2nd grade - if your child was physically aggressive, then you did the right thing! This is all about weighing near term benefit with potential long-term effects. If treatment is needed, it's needed, and you shouldn't be deterred by worrying about what she "may" want to do in 20 years. The FAA exam affects a very small percentage of the population! In the long run, she's better off by having the condition treated. I hope your child got the help she deserves and is managing well. I'm only offering these issues up as a consideration for those borderline cases where a diagnosis may not have as much benefit and people are looking for all pros and cons.

You do realize your are posting on a special needs forum? Why do you think it is appropriate to come on here and tell parents that the diagnoses they are getting can hold their children back from work one day, are you really that insensitive or do you just feel like being in a superior mood today?

OP asked for pros and cons. I offered up one consideration that I see all the time in my adult life, but many people aren't aware of. Since OP was asking, I thought she might actually want to know all possibilities, not just the sugar-coated version. If you're that sensitive about possible downsides to getting a diagnosis, maybe clicking on a thread asking for pros and cons isn't a good idea?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP from 11:40 here ... not using the quote button to avoid an extensively long post, but I'll try to address all questions about it.

1st, how would they know? Today, it'll mainly through self-disclosure on applications. Take the FAA example. There's an FAA medical certificate that requires an application / medical history form and an exam by an FAA-certified doctor. One of the questions on that exam is "have you ever been diagnosed with..." a long list of conditions, including ADD/ADHD. Heavy emphasis on the "ever" - they truly are asking if you've ever had this in your lifetime.

Some items on that list simply require an explanation or supporting documentation, and then they can issue the medical certificate. For example, I have to check "yes" to diabetes because I had gestational diabetes 10 years ago - but I just show records from my doctor that it resolved after childbirth, and now it's a non-issue (but I still have to report it on every recurring application). Some of the items, including ADD/ADHD, are considered disqualifying. The FAA doesn't consider ADD/ADHD to be a condition that you can "grow out of" or "manage"; if you had it once, you have it forever. So, generally speaking, the FAA finds out because people go to fill out the required application and check "yes" in that box (often not understanding the implications until after they've done it), and the application is denied.

If you do have a childhood diagnosis like this and check "no" on your application, that's in violation of a couple of federal laws, which could have penalties ranging from fines to loss of certificates if they find out. They might not ever find out ... but as records become more electronic and centralized, I think our kids are going to have smaller chances of slipping under the radar on stuff like this. Regardless, I wouldn't advocate lying on a federal form.

To the other PP who sought services in 2nd grade - if your child was physically aggressive, then you did the right thing! This is all about weighing near term benefit with potential long-term effects. If treatment is needed, it's needed, and you shouldn't be deterred by worrying about what she "may" want to do in 20 years. The FAA exam affects a very small percentage of the population! In the long run, she's better off by having the condition treated. I hope your child got the help she deserves and is managing well. I'm only offering these issues up as a consideration for those borderline cases where a diagnosis may not have as much benefit and people are looking for all pros and cons.

You do realize your are posting on a special needs forum? Why do you think it is appropriate to come on here and tell parents that the diagnoses they are getting can hold their children back from work one day, are you really that insensitive or do you just feel like being in a superior mood today?

I for one am very grateful the poster thought to inform us. Look all of us are dealing with our SN kids and they all have different conditions etc. Our DS just requested to be tested for ADHD at age 16 and definitely has it, was just able to get by somehow. I hadn't thought of these kind of ramifications and college is approaching. Some of us have valid reasons for wanting to know this information. It is very helpful as a parent to be able to guide our kids with this info. For example DS wanted to join the military but between a recent chronic condition which can be reoccurring and now ADHD we will definitely encourage him to broaden his horizons. So thanks, PP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. The issue is that DD’s attention issues are “mild” and she didn’t meet all the requirements for a strong ADHD diagnosis, including questionnaires from teachers. If anything it was ONE parents answers that might take her into ADHD diagnosis category. Otherwise not quite there.

I am not trying to hide anything. I don’t know how I feel about formally perhaps overstating the ADHD when we know she is dyslexic and want to get services for that! It seems as though we can more easily get services for her in public school if we go through both channels. But I am not convinced that DD is ADHD.

From a school perspective, the only issues that matter are the one's that have educational impact. If the symptoms are so mild that your kid can still stay on task, do her work accurately and on time, pay attention to instructions etc., then there is no point to getting an ADHD diagnosis, especially if you don't think she really has it.

[Anonymous]

Here's a con: if you don't include the ADHD diagnosis and your child begins to struggle academically, which can definitely happen when the work ramps up in 4th grade, you will have to get another neuropsych report done in order to get services. Doing the testing twice will be very expensive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand this. ADHD is only supposed to be diagnosed if attention issues are causing significant impact at school. If the child simply scores below the norm, that is not ADHD. I would get a 2nd opinion.

You are incredibly incorrect. ADHD is diagnosed when symptoms are present across multiple environments, not just school and not just significantly. There are also multiple assessments used to diagnose ADHD, some are norm-referenced, some are not.

You're right that it has to be multiple environments. But it absolutely has to interfere with functioning. Otherwise why are you even seeking a psychiatric diagnosis?