What are the signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Check out>   child-behavior-guide.com for signs-of-ADHD and a lot more 

DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria

 Sensory Processing Disorder Checklist

Many of the symptoms listed in the following categories are common to that particular age group. Where more than a few symptoms are found in a child, we recommend you talk to your doctor or check the SPD Foundation's Treatment Directory for a professional experienced with treating Sensory Processing Disorder.*

Early diagnosis leads to early intervention. The sooner an accurate diagnosis is made, the sooner intervention can begin. Many children and their families suffer needlessly for years because of sensory issues that could have been addressed if a sound, professional evaluation had determined that Sensory Processing Disorder was present and treatment had begun sooner. 

This site is specifically designed to tackle the issue of testing for ADD/ADHD.  We want the public to better understand the diagnosis of ADD/ADHD, the “testing” methods used in determining an ADD/ADHD diagnosis, the many drug “treatments” used for this diagnosis, and the risks involved with drug “treatment”.  This site provides a deeper look at many of the “tests” being administered to children and adults, and it takes on these individual “testing” methods directly on its testing page.  It is to your advantage to read carefully through this site's homepage before you view each individual “testing” method that is listed for you. 

It is important that you clearly understand the differences between the words subjective and objective.  To have a thorough understanding of these two words will make you better understand the overall “wishy washy” nature that these “tests” or “assessments” have overall, when attempting to determine anything conclusive about a child.

Something that can be seen or easily measured is said to be objective. A person who develops cancer or diabetes can be diagnosed based on objective tests (blood, urine, bodily fluids, bile, or brain) that will show the cancer or diabetes within them. 

Something that cannot be measured or verified conclusively, or where conclusions can vary quite dramatically based on the observations of different viewers, indicates what is considered to be subjective.  A teacher might observe that a child has marked inattention on a daily basis in his or her classroom.  This is the teacher’s own observations.  Another teacher observing this same child in her classroom setting might view the child in a different light, and not consider this child to have marked inattention.  This is what is meant when the term subjective is used.  It follows that hyperactivity is subjective as well and can fluctuate based on who is doing the observing/viewing, that persons viewpoint, their own temperament, their patience level, their tolerance, and also their own bias.  All of these affect how a child is viewed.

With this in mind we will continue with some of the popular “tests” used in diagnosing ADD/ADHD.  Bear in mind that each of these “tests” uses DSM-IV criteria (click link to show list of characteristics) for supporting a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD.  No scientific Validation, other than this DSM-IV list is ever presented.  At this point it is critical to restate the fact that the American Psychiatric Association (APA) voted ADD in as a “mental disorder” by a show of hands (majority vote) in 1980 at their committee meeting, without scientific evidence present.   It was placed in the DSM-III (third edition).  In 1987, ADHD was voted in by a similar show of hands (majority vote) as well, and placed into the DSM-IV (fourth edition).  Both committee meetings failed to produce, and or demonstrate, scientific evidence to support these disorders as brain malfunctions, diseases, chemical imbalances, neuro-biological conditions, illnesses; all of which are popular terms coined and marketed today. 

 Neurosciences and Mental Health Program

 The Hospital for Sick Children

Here you can find some organizations and links related to AD/HD sites.

ADHD REQUIRES A MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in any form, inattentive type, combined type etc., must be diagnosed medically. An educator or social worker cannot diagnose this disorder on their own. They may however suggest further investigation of the symptoms.

The behaviours and learning difficulties children with ADHD have are pervasive, lasting more than six months and appearing within a variety of settings (classroom, playground, nursery school, home, other activities.)