If your child finds it hard to understand how other people think and feel, they might also find it difficult to talk about their own thoughts and feelings. As parents, it’s only natural to look for an explanation for what’s behind these challenges. Looking for advice and helpful strategies can make a big difference both at home and at school. As autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents differently in every child, accurate diagnosis can be challenging. Sometimes, children are mistakenly diagnosed with other conditions, like ADHD, or are told that there are no concerns. Other times, children receive a diagnosis even though they are not on the spectrum. An autism assessment is often the most reliable way to determine whether a child is on the spectrum and provide clear next steps to support them. Here is some information that parents may find useful to make sure that their child receives a full and accurate autism assessment. Understanding Autism Assessments An autism …
ADHD Assessments: What Parents Should Know
Being a parent of a child with ADHD can be overwhelming without the right support. Your child might dart down the aisle and touch everything in sight, continue to roughhouse when it’s quiet time, or struggle to follow basic instructions and miss important details. These telltale scenarios, especially with the ongoing stigma towards girls’ mental health, definitely feel overwhelming. But remember that you’re not alone. ADHD is one of the most commonly occurring childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. It’s so common that it affects nearly 1 in 21 people in Canada.1 So, if you suspect your child might have ADHD, it’s only natural to have questions and concerns about what to do next. When is it time for us to seek help? What does the assessment process involve, and how should we prepare? Understanding how ADHD is evaluated can help you handle it more confidently. Here’s everything you need to know about ADHD assessments to support your child and family. What is …