ADHD: who to consult to make the diagnosis?
Diagnosing ADHD is not always straightforward. Several professionals may be involved in this diagnostic pathway. Here is how to find your way efficiently so as not to waste time and to obtain a reliable diagnosis.
The GP or paediatrician: the starting point
The diagnostic pathway generally begins with the GP or the paediatrician. This first appointment makes it possible to rule out other possible causes of behavioural and attentional difficulties, in particular sleep problems, undetected visual or hearing impairments, or reactive emotional difficulties. The GP can then refer the child to the most suitable specialist, depending on the clinical picture.
The specialist paediatrician or child psychiatrist: the core specialists
ADHD is diagnosed by a medical specialist, usually a paediatrician specialising in neurodevelopment or a child psychiatrist. These professionals carry out a thorough clinical assessment based on interviews with the child and their parents, standardised questionnaires completed by parents and teachers, and direct clinical observation. They can also prescribe medication if necessary.
The neuropsychologist: for the full cognitive assessment
The neuropsychologist is often involved in assessing ADHD, in particular to carry out a full cognitive assessment that evaluates attention, working memory, executive functions, IQ and any associated disorders such as dyslexia, dyscalculia or dyspraxia. This assessment makes it possible to draw up a precise cognitive profile of the child and to guide support in a personalised way. To find a neuropsychologist specialising in ADHD, professionnelsdys.fr offers a comprehensive directory.
The psychologist: for behavioural assessment
A specialist psychologist can complete the assessment by evaluating the behavioural, emotional and social aspects of the disorder. They can also carry out standardised attention tests that objectively measure attentional difficulties in a precise and normed way.
The school doctor: for classroom adjustments
Once the diagnosis has been made, the school doctor plays a key administrative role by validating the PAP on the basis of the specialist assessment. It is worth meeting them promptly after the diagnosis so that the essential school adjustments can be put in place without delay.
