Does your child appear to be easily distracted? Is your child always moving, fidgety, or climbing on things? Many parents will tell you that children of a certain age are constantly moving and distracted. However, while most children are active and enjoy playing if your child’s activity is a bit more than what’s considered normal, your child could have ADHD.
Constant Squirming, fidgeting, not following directions, and finishing tasks are common symptoms of ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). So how do you know if your child has ADHD?
There are many factors that doctors use to diagnose ADHD, but a TOVA test is one of the ways that doctors screen for ADHD.
What is TOVA?
TOVA stands for Test of Variables of Attention. This test measures an individual’s ability to stay focused while doing repetitive, dull tasks. TOVA also measures an individual’s ability to control impulses during more exciting tasks.
From the data collected during a TOVA test, doctors can assess if patients have attention and impulse control issues.
Is TOVA Reliable?
The data shows that TOVA can correctly identify:
- 87% of people who do not have ADHD
- 84% of people with non-hyperactive ADHD
- 90% of people with hyperactive ADHD
Don’t worry; we will explain hyperactive and non-hyperactive ADHD later.
How Does TOVA Testing Work?
The TOVA test is just over 21 and a half minutes long. The test is digital and resembles a video game. There are visual and audio parts of the test. These parts are administered separately.
What is ADHD?
What exactly is ADHD? ADHD stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. ADHD is a common mental disorder that affects children and adults. Data suggest that about 4% to 12% of children have ADHD! Furthermore, Boys are 2 to 3 times more likely to have ADHD of the hyperactive or combined type than girls.
Children with ADHD may have extreme difficulty maintaining focus, constant moving or fidgeting, and low impulse control.
This can lead to problems at home and at school. Many children with ADHD may find it difficult to do tasks that require them to sit down and maintain mental focus for long periods. Yet, this is what is required of children at school.
Children with undiagnosed ADHD could be mistakenly labeled as incompetent or defiant and disruptive. However, this is not the case. On the contrary, many children with ADHD are incredibly competent; they have difficulty maintaining their focus.
Symptoms of ADHD in children
- Trouble organizing daily tasks
- Loses things, including personal items
- Daydreams a lot
- Avoids activities that require sitting still or a sustained effort
- easily distracted
- Doesn’t follow directions or finish tasks
- Doesn’t seem to be listening when someone is speaking
- Doesn’t pay attention and makes careless mistakes
- Forgetful about daily activities
Types of ADHD
There are three types of ADHD:
- Inattentive:Â Inattentive, also known as distractible, lacks attention to detail.
- Hyperactive/impulsive typeÂ
Hyperactive type is characterized by excessive physical movement and acting without thinking.
- Combined type
This type of ADHD is described as having both impulsive and hyperactive behavior, in addition to inattention and distractibility.
Treatment for ADHD
Treatments can include:
- Psychostimulant medications:Â Psychostimulant medications help to balance chemicals in the brain so that the child can maintain focus. These medications help to stimulate focus to combat the symptoms of ADHD. There are some side effects to these medications, but they are mild in most cases.
- Psychosocial treatments: Behavior management classes are available for parents of children with ADHD, usually in a group session where parents can learn strategies to help combat ADHD symptoms. These support groups also foster parent-to-parent support.
TOVA Testing near me
Are you looking for TOVA testing near you? MYCHN offers TOVA testing for children and adults! MYCHN also provides parenting support groups. Please visit MyCHN.org or call (281) 824 – 1480 to learn more!
Bottom Line
It is important to note that TOVA testing is one of the many factors that doctors use to diagnose ADHD. ADHD is a common mental disorder in children and adults. Therefore, it is highly beneficial to children to get diagnosed with ADHD early to avoid behavioral problems at school.
This will facilitate healthy growth and development and improve the quality of life.
Resources:
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children (Johns Hopkins)
What Is ADHD? (psychiatry.org)
ADD & ADHD Test – T.O.V.A. Test (lagunabehavioral.com)
The T.O.V.A Test – Is T.O.V.A Testing for ADD & ADHD Valid? | Drake Institute
