Introduction
It is especially complicated to diagnose attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children since their high-level activities are often similar to those of ADHD at one time or another. However, children should not be classified as having ADHD if they are hyperactive, impulsive, or experiencing problems with school, as the diagnosis requires an integral approach, including symptoms and coexisting conditions (Wofford & Ohrt, 2018). Mental health counselors should use the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which allows for evaluating the persistence and severity of symptoms.
Real-Life Examples of ADHD Manifestation in Children
One of the key impulsivity and hyperactivity symptoms in children with ADHD is the inability to sit when it is expected and leaving the room. For example, a 9-year-old male who cannot sit quietly for 30 minutes in a classroom and has issues with waiting for his turn may be suspected of having ADHD. In this case, symptoms such as excessive talking and hand fidgeting should also be considered (Nevid et al., 2021).
Another example refers to a predominantly inattentive type of the disease, such as failing to pay close attention to details(American Psychiatric Association, 2022). A mental health counselor should be visited if a 12-year-old female presents as failing to complete her chores and schoolwork, often distracts, avoids listening to others, and seems to be frustrated with given tasks (Wofford & Ohrt, 2018). Additionally, a combined type of the disease may manifest in a 13-year-old male who has difficulty following instructions at school and experiences constant motion simultaneously.
Parental Perspectives on ADHD Diagnosis
To parents, the early diagnosis of ADHD is helpful since it allows them to understand their child’s behavior better. In many cases, parents and teachers report instances of rudeness or laziness in a child, which can frustrate all parties involved and lead to stigma. According to Wofford and Ohrt (2018), parents require special assistance to effectively interact with children, whose inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity can deteriorate their quality of life. Mental health counselors should focus on the DSM-5 guidelines to identify ADHD, which implies that a child should have a complex of symptoms to be diagnosed with this condition (Nevid et al., 2021). Moreover, it is crucial to gather more information from family members, schoolteachers, and healthcare providers about the child’s challenges and successes.
Diagnosis Communication Strategies
While sharing the news about ADHD, counselors should talk about the revealed symptoms and how they affect the child’s actions. It is best to adopt a direct, clear tone while remaining open to parents’ questions. First, the counselor should share the news with the parents, ensuring they understand the situation and the available treatment options.
Second, the child can be invited to discuss their symptoms so they feel adults are cooperative and attentive to their needs. Such an approach would ensure effective communication, thereby improving the therapeutic outcomes (Wofford & Ohrt, 2018). Based on the level of trust and support within the family, the counselor can select from various options, including play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and structural family therapy.
Conclusion
To conclude, it is critical to timely distinguish between normal behaviors of children and ADHD symptoms, which is best achieved through parent interviewing. After working with the mental health counselor, parents develop the skills to understand and adjust to their child’s symptoms. In turn, children with ADHD, whose parents are aware of the disease and ready for therapy, are more likely to show greater results in improving their behaviors.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Association Publishing.
Nevid, J. S., Rathus, S. A., & Greene, B. S. (2021). Abnormal behavior in childhood and adolescence, In Abnormal psychology in a changing world (11th ed., pp. 435-469). Pearson.
Wofford, J. R., & Ohrt, J. H. (2018). An integrated approach to counseling children diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, and chronic stressors. The Family Journal, 26(1), 105-109.