Dr. Sean McDonnell:

I would not disagree with anything that has been said about the diagnostic process associated with the condition. From our point of view, there are certain characteristics associated with ADHD, and which, when they present, enable us to identify it fairly easily and early. ADHD has to present across multiple domains. It is associated with inattentiveness and hyperactivity, as has been mentioned. Early on, we were picking up large numbers of very young children demonstrating that pattern of presentation and receiving very little care. ADHD is highly comorbid. Even if we were only treating the comorbidity, that would lead to a general improvement in the overall function of the child and family. We agree there is a need for further improvement in assessment, but early intervention on presenting symptoms is equally important.