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Apples on the Family Tree
Print out the ADHDSupport.com Apples on the Family Tree and write in personalities or behaviors similar to ADHD symptoms for each relative. Think about family members' medical histories, especially any history of mental illness or neurologic conditions, and be sure to make a note of this next to the family member's name. Taking this chart to the doctor can help provide further information with which to make a diagnosis.
 | If you bring a family tree like this one to your health care professional, it may help in making a better evaluation of your child. Start with the child's biological parents. Have you ever had any symptoms like the ones you're noticing in your child? If so, write them on your “apple” on the tree. |
Next, go to the grandmothers and the grandfathers. What is their history? Have they had any symptoms or diagnoses? Mark those on their apples.
What are the other family members' medical histories and symptoms? Note if a professional has said a family member has learning disabilities or a mental disorder.
Include family members who may not have had professional evaluations. If you describe family members' behavior on their apples, your child's health care professional may want to ask you a few questions about them to help in evaluating your child.
For your child's apple, write the date you first began to notice ADHD symptoms.
Everyone's family is different: You may need to add apples to the tree–or make a whole new tree with different branches. For example, a divorced parent may have had other children. Those children count. Give them each an apple on the tree.
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