Wait and watch before diagnosing a disorder

Not all children who experience trouble in school have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or other over-diagnosed conditions. In reality, most students have problems with attention, communication and socialization at some point during their development, because children progress at different rates. Most students simply need proper instruction and learning strategies to help them during these challenging times. Your child may exhibit a few characteristics of a condition, but that does not mean that she should be diagnosed immediately. Your child must consistently demonstrate many characteristics over an extended period for you to be concerned. I would continue to watch your child's behavior and development with a close eye, but I wouldn't obsessively worry quite yet.

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