As far as I understand, ADHD and ADD are a product of the inability to process dopamine or a deficiency of dopamine. So why are there not tests or screenings that can show with evidence the deficiency and the presence of ADHD?
I’m looking at a possibility that my son(4) could have ADHD and the possibility that a doctor will recommend medication. I am not against medication but I fear putting him on medication that will alter his brain chemistry at such a young age especially if he does not actually have ADHD and the phase that he is going through will be one he will naturally grow out of as his brain develops.
In: Biology
I’m NOT an expert here… But it seems to me that everyone is on the spectrum somehow, we all procrastinate, we all have our moments. But with ADHD and Autism, whether you “have” it or not is all about the need for intervention or extra help, medication etc. IE if actual money and resources need to be allocated, if special education plans need to be drawn up or not. Thus the tests for these things (particularly in Canada) can be a really political matter to conduct because if the test is positive, the province is legally obliged to spend extra money, allocate resources it does not have to that child. There is a real reticence to call a child Autistic unless they are non-verbal or totally incapable of completing any kind of assignment without direction, because the child will now cost many times more to educate than a kid without an ADHD or Autism diagnosis.
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