The Dangerous Diagnosis Of ADHD In The Classroom

By Eric White


While there are a number of children appropriately diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, there are a number of behaviors which can result in a false diagnosis. In most cases, those suffering from the condition show signs of the disorder before attending kindergarten or first grade. Due to the popularity of the condition, it is almost an automatic diagnosis when a child acts up in school. As a result, diagnosing adhd in the classroom can often be difficult as well as dangerous.

Depending on the age and grade of the child, a teacher may or may not be able to distinguish the difference between a child who has an inability to learn, laziness or other issues from that of a child with the condition. As a result, it is often advised that whether parent or teacher, if someone believes a child may be experiencing symptoms, it is important to get help as soon as possible.

When it comes to children, there are several issues which can exhibit symptoms similar to ADHD. These issues can include learning disabilities, laziness and impulsive behaviors. As there are so many other issues which can often replicate symptoms of the condition, it is often advised that those suspected of being effected by the illness obtain psychological testing. In doing so, the effected individual can be assured of getting the right treatment plan for the issue causing the symptoms.

Ages and grade levels can play an important role when it comes to diagnosing the illness. For, there are times when a child has been moved up to a higher grade while still much younger than other students. At which time, the child may become overwhelmed and attempt to overachieve in the new grade level. Whether through excitement, becoming overly involved in school projects or participating in what could be conceived as negative behaviors with other students, it is important the parents and teachers realize these are often normal reactions.

It is important that advocates, parents and teachers all observe children whom are suspected of having ADHD on a regular basis. For, while some behaviors may be a one time thing, children with the condition often repeat specific behaviors. As such, one of the best signs that a child may be effected is by recording various behaviors along with the date and time associated with each incident.

The main behaviors associated with the condition include impulsiveness, hyperactivity and inattention. As these symptoms are also common behaviors of most children, it can often be hard to diagnose those with adhd. As a result, it is important that only those with behaviors which are extreme in comparison to others of the same age be diagnosed with the condition.

While there can be instances where a child may only show either hyperactivity or inattention, most children exhibit both symptoms. It is those which exhibit multiple symptoms which have the most difficulty in school. For, when trying to be attentive, a child with the condition can often become hyperactive without warning.

Ultimately, symptoms are divided into two areas, those whom have a propensity towards hyperactivity and those whom have a propensity toward inattentive behaviors. It is for these very reasons that it can often be difficult or dangerous to make this type of diagnosis based solely on behavior in the classroom. Whereas, when a child can obtain professional help and be treated with the right medication or therapies, the child is often going to do better in school and later in life.




About the Author: