SALT LAKE CITY — As the parent of a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), I've have had many conversations with others about the disorder. It's usually the same conversation every time.

It's true, kids are busy, active, and have lots of energy. However, the key difference between a case of "kids will be kids" and ADHD is a question of depth.

With a true case of ADHD, the distraction, high energy, restlessness, jumping around, loud talking and disruptiveness are impairments that become intensely pervasive in every aspect of the child's behavior and occur often in every setting.

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FamilyNews.com: Is it really ADHD?

If you can answer yes to every one of the questions posed in this article, click on this link for some other information and tips that might be useful for you as you and your child confront ADHD.

Every child displays the following behaviors some of the time, but with ADHD the extent of these behaviors makes it difficult to function at all. Ask yourself:

• Does your child have trouble listening when you ask him or her to do something?
• Is he or she more easily excitable or fidgety than other kids?
• Is your home life filled with conflicts over mealtime, bedtime, and brushing teeth?
• Has your child's teacher raised concerns about his behavior?
• Is he or she easily distracted? Particularly forgetful?
• Does he or she blame others for his shortcomings?
• Does he or she have trouble getting along with friends?

If you can answer yes to every one of these questions, I have some information and tips that might be useful for you as you and your child confront ADHD. Visit www.familynews.com/is-it-really-adhd/ to learn more.

Christine B Anderson is a PhD Candidate at Utah State University and adoptive mama of three. She blogs at www.countingblessingsnotsheep.com.

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