ADHD & Behavioral Issues Specialist

What is ADHD?

ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a common problem among children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it's one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders among children.

This condition is often first noticed when your child is young but can last long into adulthood. If your child has ADHD, they’ll likely suffer from trouble paying attention, being overly active, and controlling their impulsivity.

While it’s not entirely out of the ordinary for a child to have difficulty concentrating on occasion, ADHD amplifies these episodes. It often leads to issues in school and at home as the symptoms continue.

It’s not entirely understood what causes ADHD. However, according to the CDC, genetics does play a role. No matter what the cause, though, it’s important to understand the signs of ADHD, so you can get your child the help they need.

What are the symptoms?

ADHD has a variety of symptoms, each of which are experienced differently by different children. The symptoms can vary from mild to severe and often include behaviors like:

• Fidgeting
• Forgetfulness
• Excessive talking
• Unnecessary risk taking
• Daydreaming
• Easily distracted

If your child is dealing with ADHD, you may notice their organizational skills are lacking. This can lead to poor time management, along with missing homework assignments. 

Your child might also be getting in trouble a lot due to interrupting others or not taking turns at school.

How is ADHD treated?

The team at Academy Park Pediatrics takes the time to discuss the many treatment options available for ADHD. The type of treatment often depends on your child’s age and the severity of their condition.

If your child is younger, the team recommends behavioral therapy and teaching for you and your family to help your child deal with the condition. Often, this can be effective when your child is very young.

However, if your child is a little older, a combination of both behavioral therapy and medication management is recommended to help with the symptoms of ADHD. There are several medications available for the disorder, and the pediatric specialists at the practice take the time to discuss each one with you.

It is important to note that ADHD is not something your child will grow out of, so discussing the best treatment options early on will help them manage the disorder into adulthood.

If you’d like to get help for your child, don’t hesitate to call the office, or request an appointment online today.