While children are notorious for being rambunctious and having high amounts of energy, some children exhibit extreme symptoms that could be attributed to ADHD. Statistics show that 6.4 million children between the ages of 4 and 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD in the United States. If you think that your own child could be suffering from ADHD, an evaluation by a medical professional is required for a definite diagnosis.

Here are three things you should be watching for to ensure your child receives a quality ADHD evaluation in the future.

1. A good ADHD evaluation will include a thorough physical examination.

Inattention is one of the primary symptoms associated with ADHD in young children. In order to determine if your own child's inability to pay attention in school or at home can be attributed to ADHD, it's important to rule out any physical factors that could produce the same levels of inattention.

If a child has difficulty hearing or experiences poor vision, they may find it difficult to pay attention to a variety of tasks. A quality ADHD evaluation will include a hearing and vision test to rule out physical causes of inattention.

2. Your child's ADHD evaluation should include a complete family medical history questionnaire.

When determining if a child is suffering from ADHD, family medical history could be a contributing factor. If you want to ensure that your child is receiving a thorough evaluation, it's important to visit a medical professional that takes the time to ask about your family's medical history.

Statistics show that one-third of fathers who have been diagnosed with ADHD will have children who also suffer from the condition. The genetic link between parents with ADHD and children who develop the disorder makes identifying patterns of ADHD within the family an essential part of any quality ADHD evaluation.

3. A medical professional should take the time to ask about environmental factors during an ADHD evaluation.

Young children often experience high levels of stress. This stress can mimic the symptoms of ADHD. In order to determine if environmental conditions are contributing to your child's inability to focus, a medical professional should interview you about any recent changes that have occurred within your family.

Changes like the birth of a new child, moving to a new city, or the death of a close relative can each cause your child to display some of the symptoms associated with ADHD (like restlessness, inability to focus, or excess energy). 

Understanding what a medical professional should be looking for as they evaluate your child in order to make an ADHD diagnosis will help you provide the best possible care for your child in the future. For more information, contact a professional, such as those at Rainbow Pediatrics.