Not sure if your child’s behavior warrants a trip to the specialist? Chances are your kid’s teacher, who spends the majority of the day with her in various settings, can tell you if he thinks the behavior is a problem. It’s still important to visit a medical professional to receive an actual diagnosis, warns Robert Cimera, assistant professor of special education at the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh and author of Making ADHD a Gift: Teaching Superman How to Fly (Scarecrow Education, 2002). “Teachers are great,” he says, “but diagnosing ADHD is an art.” Since numerous other conditions, such as sleep disorders, hypoglycemia, anemia and thyroid problems, can cause similar symptoms, it’s important to have a professional rule out other medical disorders before labeling a child with ADHD.

Qualified professionals include a child psychiatrist or psychologist, pediatrician, behavioral neurologist and clinical social worker. During their evaluations, these experts should test your child’s attention and concentration as well as interview people such as teachers, babysitters and close family or friends who have direct contact with your child, says Monastra.