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Any parent of a child with ADHD knows how complicated this diagnosis can be. It seems ever present currently and there is indeed some risk of over diagnosing. There are some clear cut cases, where all the evidence points in the direction of a diagnosis of ADHD and then there are those that are somewhat more vague. Maybe the test scores indicate traits of ADHD or are on the borderline. Maybe the child was tested at a time when he or she wasn't feeling well or was particularly anxious or distracted or even tired. For this reason it is important, when having your child tested, to have a series of tests that allow the clinician a good sample of your child's behavior and abilities over several meetings. If the diagnosis is indeed confirmed then here is some new information which may shed some light on the situation.
A study from the National Institutes of Health determined that the brain of someone with ADHD develops in the normal way but may be delayed, in some regions, up to three years. The study was done using imaging technology which identified the thickening and thinning of areas of the cortex in the brains of children both with and without the disorder. The identified delay seems to reside in the cortex.
This study answers the question that has been presented over time about whether the brains of ADHD patients develop differently or just more slowly than those without ADHD. The good news here is that the evidence that the development is slower leaves room for the possibility that these children will eventually catch up to their non- ADHD peers. It also explains why some children seem to grow out of the disorder altogether.
While brain scans are used in some research centers for children with ADHD it is not commonplace and they are not yet at a point of using it as a diagnostic tool. This may change, and there is hope in the research that is being done to find ways to speed up the developing brain which could lead to the alleviation of some of the impulsivity and inappropriate behaviors that are often associated with ADHD.
If you are having your child tested make sure to find a qualified psychologist who specializes in educational or developmental testing. When I refer my own clients who have concerns over their children for an evaluation, I help them to choose a holistic practitioner. This is someone who looks at the whole child and not just strictly numbers on a page. It is also someone who, once a diagnosis is made, can help find the appropriate resources to assist your child in navigating these sometimes murky waters. With all the attention that ADHD is currently receiving there is hope that new and better ways, of helping these children to learn and cope with this disorder, are being discovered.
The author of this article, Cyndi Sarnoff-Ross is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice this article was taken from Daily Strength.
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