How to tell if my child has ADHD

Is your child often restless, distracted, forgetting everything? You wonder whether they have ADHD. Only a doctor can make this diagnosis, but certain questions can help you know whether it is time to see one. Here are the steps. A few simple markers help you know when it is time to see a doctor.

Observe without alarm

Start by observing your child in different situations: at home, during homework, with friends, during their activities. Note what worries you, with concrete examples. Also make a note of what goes well: the child’s strengths matter just as much as their difficulties.

These notes will be valuable for the doctor.

You will find more details in the article Les signes du TDAH chez l’enfant.

The right questions

Are the difficulties more marked than in children of the same age? Have they lasted for several months? Are they present at home and at school? Do they really affect their life? A doubt is always worth discussing with a professional. A consultation can also be reassuring.

If the answer is yes to these questions, a consultation is useful.

Our article TDAH : quand s’inquiéter complements this advice.

Talking with the school

Ask the teacher what they observe in class. Their view is important, because ADHD shows up in several areas of life. A teacher may notice difficulties that you do not see at home, and vice versa.

To find out more, read Parler du TDAH à l’enseignant.

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See the GP

The GP or the paediatrician is the first point of contact. They listen to your concerns, examine the child, check vision, hearing and sleep, and refer if needed. These checks help rule out other causes before considering ADHD.

The article TDAH : le rôle du médecin traitant covers this question in detail.

Specialist assessment

The diagnosis is made by a doctor trained in ADHD. It relies on interviews, an examination of the child, questionnaires completed by the family and the school, and sometimes additional assessments. This full evaluation also helps identify any associated conditions.

This point is explained step by step in Le bilan du TDAH : comment ça se passe.

Beware of shortcuts

Online tests and the opinions of those around you do not replace a medical assessment. They may encourage you to see a doctor, but not to draw conclusions. They can also cause unnecessary worry. Only a medical assessment allows a conclusion to be reached.

To go further, read our article Test du TDAH en ligne : est-ce fiable.

Taking action while waiting

Waiting times for a diagnosis can be long. In the meantime, simple adjustments at school and at home can already help your child. These supports do not require a diagnosis and can already ease daily life.

We detail this point in TDAH : la prise en charge à la maison.