Parenting Checklist: What to Do When Your Child is Diagnosed with ADHD

Whether you think your child might have ADHD, has recently been diagnosed with ADHD or you have been struggling trying to find the best methods for managing symptoms of ADHD in your children, the following checklist can help you find the information you need.

The checklist can be printed, allowing you to check off each item as you read the accompanying articles, or you can bookmark this page and come back to continue reading information as you need it.

When You Think Your Child Has ADHD

You have heard of ADHD, you may even know a little bit about it. You might know the main symptoms are hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattention but not really understand what it is all about. If you think your child may have ADHD, the following articles provide an explanation of ADHD, the symptoms and basic information:

_____    When to See a Doctor for Children with ADHD or When to See a Doctor for School Age Children with ADHD

_____    Major Symptoms: Hyperactivity, Impulsiveness, Inattention

_____    Who Can Diagnose and Treat ADHD?

_____    The People You Meet: Medical Professionals Who Treat ADHD

_____    So You Think Your Child Has ADHD

_____    ADHD vs. Normal Childhood Behavior

_____    When is a Temper Tantrum Just a Tantrum or a Signal You Need Help?

_____    Coming to Grips with Your Child's Differences: When Dreams and Realities Collide


Newly Diagnosed with ADHD - More Questions than Answers
Once your child is diagnosed with ADHD, you may still have many questions. The following articles can help you to begin the process of getting your child the help he or she needs.

_____    Tips for Parents When a Child is Diagnosed with ADHD

_____    After the Diagnosis of ADHD

_____    How ADHD Impacts the Daily Life of a Child

_____    Your Child, Their Dreams

_____    Finding a Health Care Provider


Deciding on a Treatment Plan
According to numerous studies, the most effective treatment for children with ADHD is a combination of medication and behavioral strategies. There are, however, some additional options, such as psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and complementary/alternative treatments. Your doctor should be able to help you set up a treatment plan for your child and help you monitor it to make sure it is effective.


_____    Treatment Guidelines for Children with ADHD

_____    What is Multimodal Treatment and Why is it Important?

_____    Creating a Treatment Plan

_____    Should Your Child Have Psychotherapy as Part of Treatment?

_____    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

_____    A Sensory Integration Approach to Helping Hyperactive Kids

_____    What About Alternative Treatments?

_____    Is This Treatment Working?


Is Medication Right for Your Child?
Although medication is an effective part of an overall treatment plan, medication may not be right for your child. Other medical conditions or other medications may prevent medication from being a viable option. Some children have a hard time tolerating the side effects of medication or you just may not be sure whether this is right for you. The following articles provides some information to help you make the right decision for your child.