ADD Testing

Is there a test or tesitng that can identify a child is ADD?   it seems as thought there is no definate test which leaves a parent wondering and confused.   A parent does not like to assume their child is ADD and the Pediatricians do not like to lead you down that path, so thus we get left hanging in the breeze.   I do not like to medicate a chhild, however I understand a true ADD child will benefit if diagnosed and treated.
Ayn help will be appreciated on testing for ADD.

Thank you

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Lauren,

You are correct in thinking that there is no test, per se, for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (technically, this is the correct name for the condition).

However, there is definitely an accepted method or process for evaluating the presence of this condition. The process includes interviewing the parent(s) and child, examining the child's developmental history, examining the family history, examining the recent school performance and school history, collecting standardized data via commonly-used behavior checklists (e.g., ADHD Rating Scale-IV, Basic Assessment System for Children, Child Behavior Checklist, Conners Behavior Checklist) which are completed by both parents and teachers, and scrutinizing the child's performance on any intelligence testing (e.g., WISC) that might be available.

If it is determined that the child displays a sufficient array of symptoms (ranging among three axes: inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity) to qualify for the diagnosis, other possible explanations for the symptoms must be considered before settling on the diagnosis of ADHD.