The doctor is looking for the best dose to help manage your child's ADHD symptoms. You can help determine the right dose by carefully watching your child for control of symptoms and any side effects when he or she starts taking an ADHD medication. Please be sure to report any side effects your child may be experiencing to the doctor.

Just as an optometrist needs you to tell how a lens affects your vision, the doctor needs you to report how an ADHD medicine affects your child's behaviour, well-being, and ability to focus on tasks, and any side effects your child may experience while on the medication.

Help your child's doctor by writing down any changes you see in your child, including both ADHD symptoms and how your child is feeling while taking the medication. You could make notes in a diary, or you could use a symptom tracking tool.

ADHD Symptom Evaluation Form

Healthcare providers and other social service professionals have a variety of forms to assess your child's ADHD symptoms and their impact. All the forms point to the set of symptoms documented by the American Psychiatric Association, but each reflects different ways to document the symptoms of ADHD. Use these forms to track whether specific behaviours increase or decrease. Make a copy of an evaluation that your child's teacher or other adult completed. Complete a new evaluation form each time you visit the clinic or doctor's office.