When parents suspect that their child may have ADHD, the next step is usually a clinical interview. The interview is conducted by a doctor experienced at recognizing signs of ADHD, but parents often want more verifiable information.

According to an article on the website of Pennsylvania's WPVI-TV, that additional information may be at hand:

A new computerized test called Quotient can objectively measure the core symptoms of ADHD. To do the test, [a child has] to pay attention, and control his impulses, while an infrared camera [records] subtle body movements.

When the test is complete, a computer printout reports the results. The test has been available for about a year and is gradually becoming more widespread.

Labels: diagnosis, computers, testing

Posted By: Aspen/CRC 0 Comments

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis are experimenting with MRI scans in infants in an effort to find a way to diagnose autism earlier.

"We're just terrible at identifying them at six months, even 12 months," said Dr. Kelly Botteron, child psychiatrist. "We really need something more like a laboratory test."

She and others are testing siblings of autistic children because they are at higher risk for the condition. This study will be ongoing for five years.

If treatment starts early, children have a better chance of functioning at higher levels. Autism is diagnosed every 20 minutes in the United States, and affects one in 150 children. The condition affects communication skills and social interaction, and involves repetitive behaviors.

Labels: autism, screening, testing

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

Typically, if a child is showing signs of having ADHD, it isn’t the child who’s tested. Instead, parents and teachers are asked to fill out questionnaires regarding the child’s behavior and performance. The resulting answers often vary widely, making accurate diagnosis speculative at best. Now, a different kind of test is available – one that actually tests the child.

“The Quotient test takes 15 minutes for children under the age of 13, and 20 minutes for older children and adults. The patient sits at a specialized computer terminal that is able to analyze motion as well as response time and the ability to accurately follow instructions as he or she is asked to complete tasks, such as pressing the space bar when certain geometric shapes appear on the screen but not when others do.” [Source: Lowell (MA) Sun]

Doctors are calling the new test a breakthrough because it allows them to not only offer more accurate diagnoses of ADHD, but also more accurate treatments – including medication. The test is available in limited areas, and isn’t covered by most insurers, but developer BioBehavioral Diagnostics Company hopes to address both of those issues in the very near future.

Labels: diagnosis, testing

Posted By: CRC Health Group 1 Comment

If your child was suffering from an obvious physical ailment, you wouldn't hesitate to have him or her seen by a physician in order to get a proper diagnosis and necessary treatment.

But when it comes to issues such as behavior disorders, ADHD, and related issues, many parents often put off getting necessary testing out of misguided fears or concerns.

In a Nov. 15 editorial on the website of the Wisconsin Rapids Tribune, parents were advised to ease their minds, put their worries aside, and focus on doing what is best for their children (and themselves):

 

ADHD is not because of problem parenting or because we are not organized; the brain just works a little differently. Just like taking medication because we have high cholesterol, we can help our brain function more effectively. Understanding one's symptoms and getting a proper diagnosis is essential in getting proper treatment.

If you are concerned about your child or yourself don't suffer needlessly, get the answers you need. This type of testing is no different and no less important that getting an answer to any physical problem people experience. And as with most health issues, the earlier the diagnosis the better the prognosis. Remember, this is a treatable medical condition, and you deserve the best life possible.

Labels: diagnosis, testing

Posted By: Staff Writer 0 Comments