What are the criteria for diagnosis of ADHD? If a therapists suspects a student has ADHD and is not currently diagnosed what would you recommend?
Answer
A child is diagnosed using four main criteria listed in the DSM-IV. These criteria are poor motor coordination given the child's age, having some type of interference with academic achievement or interference with daily living activities, the motor coordination cannot be due to another general medical conditions such as cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy, and if the child is diagnosed with mental retardation, the motor difficulties have to be in excess of those usually associated with mental retardation. This is done by a clinician, usually by a psychiatrist or phsychologist. The therapist should make sure that the delay of motor coordination is in excess of what is suspected for that child's specific development level. If this is the case, the therapist should refer the child's parents to see a psychologist or physician as the next step in ensuring the child receives the appropriate treatment.
Alicia Fedewa, PhD, NCSP
Alicia Fedewa received her PhD from Michigan State University and completed her post-doctoral training in School Psychology at Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District outside of Houston, Texas. Her research interests include the relationship between curricular physical activity and children's academic, behavioral, and mental health outcomes.
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