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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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?

Duh! If there were no symptoms there would be no impact on function. I hope you don't offer advice to people in real life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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?

They always test for a bunch of things, including things you might not have been looking for yourself. In OPs case, it sounds like her kid was struggling in school and they found dyslexia with possible ADHD as a secondary factor. Mild ADHD doesn't necessarily interfere with functioning if the kid is still able concentrate when necessary. But if she wants an IEP for ADHD symptoms, then there has to be an impact at school. That's more of a legal issue than a medical one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

They always test for a bunch of things, including things you might not have been looking for yourself. In OPs case, it sounds like her kid was struggling in school and they found dyslexia with possible ADHD as a secondary factor. Mild ADHD doesn't necessarily interfere with functioning if the kid is still able concentrate when necessary. But if she wants an IEP for ADHD symptoms, then there has to be an impact at school. That's more of a legal issue than a medical one.

No, ADHD has to actually interfere with functioning. That's the DSM definition.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

Duh! If there were no symptoms there would be no impact on function. I hope you don't offer advice to people in real life.

Duh yourself. By OP's description there aren't any attention symptoms showing up in school or at home -- just a slightly elevated score in one area. That's not ADHD.

[Anonymous]

OP's child is not going to get an IEP based on the ADHD. Kids with way more serious cases of ADHD barely get supports!

I would keep it in my back pocket since it's not interfering with school and go with dyslexia. That's a whole other fight and it also comes with a lot of pushback from the school system. Support for kids with dyslexia is abysmal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

They always test for a bunch of things, including things you might not have been looking for yourself. In OPs case, it sounds like her kid was struggling in school and they found dyslexia with possible ADHD as a secondary factor. Mild ADHD doesn't necessarily interfere with functioning if the kid is still able concentrate when necessary. But if she wants an IEP for ADHD symptoms, then there has to be an impact at school. That's more of a legal issue than a medical one.

No, ADHD has to actually interfere with functioning. That's the DSM definition.

What DSM V means by functioning and what a parent or school means by functioning are two different things. My DW has ADHD but she always had good grades in school, did all her work, went to college and held 9 to 5 jobs. But she is super high energy, talks a mile minute, is often late, and loses her keys a lot. So yeah, there is measurable interference with functioning, but she lived most of her life just fine.

[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 am incredibly grateful for this PP. I had no idea ADHD was a disqualifying condition for pilots. I am going through the process of having my child assessed for inattentive ADHD and orthographic dyslexia. Right now we are not willing to medicate, his teacher is providing fantastic accommodations. I am. Ow thinking I no longer want him evaluated for ADHD because nothing would change with a diagnosis.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

They always test for a bunch of things, including things you might not have been looking for yourself. In OPs case, it sounds like her kid was struggling in school and they found dyslexia with possible ADHD as a secondary factor. Mild ADHD doesn't necessarily interfere with functioning if the kid is still able concentrate when necessary. But if she wants an IEP for ADHD symptoms, then there has to be an impact at school. That's more of a legal issue than a medical one.

No, ADHD has to actually interfere with functioning. That's the DSM definition.

What DSM V means by functioning and what a parent or school means by functioning are two different things. My DW has ADHD but she always had good grades in school, did all her work, went to college and held 9 to 5 jobs. But she is super high energy, talks a mile minute, is often late, and loses her keys a lot. So yeah, there is measurable interference with functioning, but she lived most of her life just fine.

ok so sounds like she has no psychiatric disorder if all she does is talk fast and lose her keys. What is your point?

[Anonymous]

Personally, I think that often with boys at that age, ADHD is over diagnosed - before everyone flames me, I am not saying that ADHD doesn't exist and some kids really do have it BUT he is only 8 - a few decades ago he would have had much more time to move and be active than he does now in school. Since he's borderline AND has the dyslexia diagnosis so will get extra help, I would wait on the ADHD - you can always have him reevaluated in a few years if it becomes a bigger issue. I'm saying that as both an educator and as a parent of 2 SN kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Personally, I think that often with boys at that age, ADHD is over diagnosed - before everyone flames me, I am not saying that ADHD doesn't exist and some kids really do have it BUT he is only 8 - a few decades ago he would have had much more time to move and be active than he does now in school. Since he's borderline AND has the dyslexia diagnosis so will get extra help, I would wait on the ADHD - you can always have him reevaluated in a few years if it becomes a bigger issue. I'm saying that as both an educator and as a parent of 2 SN kids.

Not flaming you but pointing out it is girl here. I think girls are not as over diagnosed as boys may be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

They always test for a bunch of things, including things you might not have been looking for yourself. In OPs case, it sounds like her kid was struggling in school and they found dyslexia with possible ADHD as a secondary factor. Mild ADHD doesn't necessarily interfere with functioning if the kid is still able concentrate when necessary. But if she wants an IEP for ADHD symptoms, then there has to be an impact at school. That's more of a legal issue than a medical one.

No, ADHD has to actually interfere with functioning. That's the DSM definition.

What DSM V means by functioning and what a parent or school means by functioning are two different things. My DW has ADHD but she always had good grades in school, did all her work, went to college and held 9 to 5 jobs. But she is super high energy, talks a mile minute, is often late, and loses her keys a lot. So yeah, there is measurable interference with functioning, but she lived most of her life just fine.

ok so sounds like she has no psychiatric disorder if all she does is talk fast and lose her keys. What is your point?

My point is she got diagnosed with ADHD by psychiatrist, not that she only does two things. But she functioned well enough for many years before that without much problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

They always test for a bunch of things, including things you might not have been looking for yourself. In OPs case, it sounds like her kid was struggling in school and they found dyslexia with possible ADHD as a secondary factor. Mild ADHD doesn't necessarily interfere with functioning if the kid is still able concentrate when necessary. But if she wants an IEP for ADHD symptoms, then there has to be an impact at school. That's more of a legal issue than a medical one.

No, ADHD has to actually interfere with functioning. That's the DSM definition.

What DSM V means by functioning and what a parent or school means by functioning are two different things. My DW has ADHD but she always had good grades in school, did all her work, went to college and held 9 to 5 jobs. But she is super high energy, talks a mile minute, is often late, and loses her keys a lot. So yeah, there is measurable interference with functioning, but she lived most of her life just fine.

ok so sounds like she has no psychiatric disorder if all she does is talk fast and lose her keys. What is your point?

My point is she got diagnosed with ADHD by psychiatrist, not that she only does two things. But she functioned well enough for many years before that without much problem.

So what was the problem? Presumably some area of functioning was impacted signidificantly.

[Anonymous]

Is ADHD formally considered a mental illness?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is ADHD formally considered a mental illness?

No. It is a neurological disorder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Personally, I think that often with boys at that age, ADHD is over diagnosed - before everyone flames me, I am not saying that ADHD doesn't exist and some kids really do have it BUT he is only 8 - a few decades ago he would have had much more time to move and be active than he does now in school. Since he's borderline AND has the dyslexia diagnosis so will get extra help, I would wait on the ADHD - you can always have him reevaluated in a few years if it becomes a bigger issue. I'm saying that as both an educator and as a parent of 2 SN kids.

I agree. School is set up to be pretty boring in most cases. The fact that a child can’t sit still the whole time or has mind wandering issues might be a completely different kid if they had more breaks, had more engaging teachers, had a more engaging curriculum. This applies to both boys and girls.