Diagnosis of ADHD in children
At CERC , our neuropsychologists carry out a complete evaluation to confirm or rule out attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD) and recommend concrete interventions for home and school.
When should a child be considered for ADHD?
The ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder common in school-age children. It is suspected when difficulties are persistent , present in several contexts : home, school, activities and interfere with functioning.
Frequent signals :
- Often gets up, restlessness / difficulty sitting still ;
- Inattention: forgetfulness, unfinished homework, loss of material ;
- Impulsivity: cuts off speech, acts without thinking;
- Fragile self-esteem, apparent anxiety ;
- Disturbed sleep that affects mood and attention.
Diagnosis or simple assessment: what's the difference?
Diagnosis is often confused with evaluation.
- Assessment : interviews, parent/teacher questionnaires, attention tests and clinical observations
- Diagnosis: integrated conclusion (presence or absence of ADD/ADHD) and plan of recommendations.
At CERC, the conclusion is never based on a single test . It follows the criteria of the DSM-5-TR criteria, and takes into account development, behavior and the family and school context.
in child neuropsychology
How is ADHD diagnosed at CERC?
The diagnosis is made by a neuropsychologist on the basis of multiple sources.
The main symptoms of ADHD in children
To be diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, symptoms must have been present for several months, in at least two environments, with a functional impact. They must also have appeared before the age of 12 :
- Inattention : difficulty maintaining attention, following instructions, completing tasks;
- Hyperactivity : need to move, motor restlessness ;
- Impulsivity : acting without waiting one's turn, interruptions.
ADHD may be with or without hyperactivity ("in the moon" child).
The role of parents and teachers
Parents and teachers play a key role:
- Description of classroom/home behaviors and peer relationships;
- Identification of associated disorders (e.g. anxiety, learning difficulties) ;
- Standardized questionnaires completed by parents and teachers.
Global assessment to differentiate ADHD from other disorders
The clinician performs :
- An assessment of the child's development and behavior ;
- Attentional tests and tools specific to ADHD in children ;
- Screening for learning, language, sleep, developmental and anxiety disorders, etc.
The aim is to determine whether the symptoms are due to ADD/ADHD, another diagnosis, or a combination of factors. An accurate diagnosis makes it possible to adapt expectations, set up routines and prevent academic failure and low self-esteem.
To make an appointment or for any questions about ADHD assessment
Our neuropsychologists in Montreal, Laval and Brossard
Our teams support children and adolescents with attention, learning or behavioral difficulties. We develop personalized intervention plans, in collaboration with parents and teachers, to support academic success, emotional well-being and self-esteem.
Tools on the subject
Frequently asked questions about ADHD diagnosis in children
Here are the answers to the most common questions we receive about ADHD diagnosis in children: