How to add year in moment.js?

What is the process of assessment of ADD/ADHD in 7-13 year-old kids?

• Does anyone know the current standards for identifying, verifying, confirming, medication management, re-evaluation schedule/process?   I am interested in how a 7-13 year old child gets from regular student to student with ADD/ADHD.   1.  Who is involved in the process? 2.  What are the different stages of the process? 3.  Who initiates for child to be evaluated for having ADD/ADHD symptoms? 4.  What doctor(s) are involved in the process and at what stages? 5.  Do parents have a say in this process? 6.  What if parents refuse to participate in the process of evaluating their child for ADD/ADHD? 7.  What if parents are not willing to have their child take medication? 8.  Does anyone has recent experience going through all the steps A-Z?     Thank you in advance for your help with these questions.

• Answer:

  "Does anyone know the current standards for identifying, verifying, confirming, medication management, re-evaluation schedule/process?" I am not sure that there are actual standards for medication management. Generally the doctor tries the lowest possible dose and approximately 4 weeks later evaluates the child's progress by personal interview with both the child and the parent. The goal here is to learn how (and if at all) the medication is affecting the everyday functioning and in what type of way. "I am interested in how a 7-13 year old child gets from regular student to student with ADD/ADHD." There is no such thing as a 7-13 year old child going from being 'regular student' to a 'student with ADD, AD/HD' over-night. Although research varies in terms of the etiology of AD/HD, the most common belief is that AD/HD resides in the person's brain--meaning that in comparison to a brain of a person without the disorder, there tends to be a malfunction (over-production of hormone/s) in the front part of the brain with AD/HD. The key feature of a person with AD/HD is continuous inability to pay attention for an extended period of time and/or continuous 'need' to remain overly active (hyperactivity) either by excessive talking (i.e. verbal hyperactivity) or by feeling the need to be 'always on the go.' Although these aren't always correctly observed--generally these hyperactive/inattentive symptoms must be present before age 7.   1.  Who is involved in the process? Most often the doctor wants to conduct an interview in the form of questions related to the child's behavior and development from very early on. History of trauma, history of substance use during pregnancy, and other--if present--are also taken into consideration. In addition to this, studies show that AD/HD oftentimes travels in families (most often--but not always--the father's side). In order to 'quality' for the diagnosis at least 2 people who personally know the child should report (some) presence of symptoms. These 2 people most often are the child's parent and teacher.  2.  What are the different stages of the process? I'm not sure what you're referring to?? I think the question relates to the actual diagnosis in which case--again depending on the presence and the intensity of symptoms--the diagnosis should be done through a process of elimination (e.g. lead poisoning, food allergies and/or sensitivities, history of mTBA (i.e. concussion), inner ear infection, and other).  Most often (in addition to behavioral observation and interview with both you and the child) the doctor will give you additional tests (in the form of questionnaire) to fill out.  These should generally be filled out by all three: you, your child, and your child's teacher.  In the event that your child receives the diagnosis of AD/HD and you DO NOT agree, you have the right to seek second opinion and have your child evaluated (looked at) by another professional (preferably a clinical psychologist, or a pediatric psychiatrist). Also, it helps to see a professional who specializes in AD/HD.  In addition, you can ask for fMRI scan in which case the child is hooked up to a machine measuring the his or her brain activities. However, keep in mind that these procedures are oftentimes very costly (approx. $2,000) and not covered by the insurance, as they find it redundant to the receiving of diagnosis. 3.  Who initiates for child to be evaluated for having ADD/ADHD symptoms? I think I covered that above BUT the evaluation could be initiated by any of the following: the child's parent, day-to-day caregiver (such as a baby-sitter), teacher, any family member who interacts with the child on daily basis. Some school officials (other than the teacher) may also request that the child be evaluated. Evaluations may also be ordered by a judge. 4.  What doctor(s) are involved in the process and at what stages? If I were you, I would do a little digging myself and take your child to see an allergy specialist (to eliminate potential allergies--these include allergies to food especially gluten), pediatrician (to eliminate potential lead poisoning, inner ear infection, gluten sensitivities-again and via blood test), pediatric psychiatrist (to receive -or- rule out the potential diagnosis), and a clinical psychologist-preferably an AD/HD specialist (for a second opinion).   5. Do parents have a say in this process? I'm not sure how to understand the question??? Do parents have a say in the child's treatment? Most often yes--however, if your child is underperforming at school, and/or there seems to be additional behavior related issues, and the school personnel tends to believe that intervention is in the best interest of the child-then your rights to 'have a say' could be vetoed (although this is probably highly unlikely and oftentimes happens at a young age of the child). 6. What if parents refuse to participate in the process of evaluating their child for ADD/ADHD? I would refer you to read the laws related to Individual Education Planing, No Child Left Behind, and Section 504--these should help further answer your question. 7.  What if parents are not willing to have their child take medication? There are laws related to this question.  Every person has the right to refuse to take medication. However, in extreme cases the government officials can temporarily remove that right from you (this is usually in the event of being suicidal, homicidal, or both). 8.  Does anyone has recent experience going through all the steps A-Z? ??? Sure, a lot of people. From what it sounds like this is a very stressful time in your life right now. Perhaps connecting with parents through CHADD organization could help release some of the pressure. Hope this helps. :)