How do you differentiate between a normally active child and a child who has ADHD?

ADHD is a highly publicized and controversial topic. Pick two of the questions below to discuss in depth, remembering to back up your opinions with scholarly research.

  1. How do you differentiate between a normally active child and a child who has ADHD?
  2. Who are the useful informants for a doctor diagnosing a child who may have ADHD?
  3. What treatment has been useful in treating children with ADHD?
  4. What are the long-term effects on the brain of children who have used medication for ADHD? What are the possible long-term benefits and negative impact of those medications?