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Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a simple test to diagnose AD/HD?

No; unfortunately, there is no simple test (like a blood test or a short written test) to determine whether someone has AD/HD.  This is true of many medical conditions (for example, there is no "test" for a simple headache, yet anyone who has had a headache knows it's real!).

Accurate diagnosis is made only by a trained clinician after an extensive evaluation.  This evaluation should include ruling out other possible causes for the symptoms involved, a thorough physical examination, and a series of interviews with the individual (child or adult) and other key persons in the individual's life (for example, parents, spouse, teachers, and others).

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Frequently Asked Questions
What is FAPE under IDEA?
My child is very bright. He can't have AD/HD, too, can he?
Can you help me find a doctor or mental health professional?
What is Section 504?
My child has been diagnosed with AD/HD; isn't he automatically qualified for Section 504 services?
I'm an adult; doesn't AD/HD only affect children?
The school says my child needs Ritalin; where do I get it?
My child has ADD, not AD/HD! Do you have any information on ADD?
My child gets all As and Bs, can she still get accommodations?
If my child has an IEP or gets special education, does she have to be in a different classroom?
What is the difference between Section 504 and IDEA?
If I request an evaluation, doesn't the school have to do it?
What is LRE?
My child started taking medication and has developed tics. What do I do?
Can someone with AD/HD join the military?
The school says my child has AD/HD; now what do I do?
My child has AD/HD but doesn't qualify for an IEP; can he still qualify under Section 504?
I've heard of auditory processing disorder (APD.) Could my child have that instead of AD/HD?
Can you help me find a summer camp for my child?
Do children in private schools have the same rights as those in public schools?
Can a woman with AD/HD take non-stimulant medications while pregnant?
What is FAPE under 504?
Can a woman with AD/HD take stimulant medication while pregnant?
My daughter wants to play college basketball. Will NCAA rules force her to stop taking her AD/HD medication?
Does my child need to be physically disabled to get services?
I get really stressed over the holidays. Do you have any suggestions to help me cope?
Now that the holidays are over, how do I get things back to normal?
Are Charter Schools required to follow IDEA?
What is Executive Function?
Are children who take stimulant medications more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol later in life?
View all Frequently Asked Questions

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