Nanny,

The only way to find out if one's child has ADHD is by having him/her evaluated by a medical or mental health professional. I always recommend that the child first be seen by his pediatrician to make sure there aren't physical reasons that are causing ADHD-like symptoms. For example, allergies and sleep disorders can cause symptoms that look a lot like ADHD.

If the pediatrician clears the child, then it's time for a formal evaluation. Though some pediatricians are capable of doing that, most do not have the time or expertise to offer a full, comprehensive evaluation. Therefore, it's usually best to refer to a child psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health provider who is very experienced in the ADHD evaluation process.

You can read more about Diagnosing ADHD Children by reading about it here.

i think your sentence may be missing a word. is it "the correct WAY to find out". make an appointment with his doctor.take him in and tell his doctor that you need a referral from him to a doctor that can test himn for adhd. a behavioral doctor a phycologist mabe im not sure,  but your doc. will know. thats how you get to him or her, then she will give him a series of tests and talk to him personally and you and mabe even his teacher and together the information to make that diagnosis. good luck. don't put it off. mabe you can call his doctor and ask for the referral. i'm not sure, but he probably wants you and your son in his office tho.