ADHD Specialist

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a common condition that can cause unusual or disruptive behaviors in children and adults. Kids with ADHD display differences in brain development that alter their ability to conform to certain behavioral standards.

There are several categories of ADHD. Some kids display symptoms from only one category, while others engage in behaviors from all three types. 

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

It’s important to understand that all children will display some of the symptoms of ADHD at various points as they move through childhood. The difference between normal and atypical behavior is when a child’s actions begin to cause problems at home, at school, or in social scenarios. 

Some things to keep an eye out for include:

• Difficulty staying on task or completing projects
• Inability to sit still
• Frequent daydreaming or absentmindedness
• Rushing through tasks 
• Frequent careless mistakes
• Difficulty waiting their turn
• Impulsive behaviors
• Jumping, climbing, or roughhousing in inappropriate settings
• Constantly losing track of belongings 

All kids struggle with controlling their behavior and tend to learn these skills slowly over time as they mature. If your child does not seem to be outgrowing these kinds of behaviors, it may be time to schedule a diagnostic exam. Teachers and daycare workers are often among the first to notice when a child’s behavior is out of the norm, so pay attention to any feedback you might receive from these professionals. 

What kind of treatment helps kids with ADHD?

The central focus when treating ADHD is to enhance your child’s experience at home, at school, and with peers. Each family receives a customized treatment plan, and that plan may shift to accommodate your child’s progress. 

Medication may play a role in your child’s treatment. There are numerous medications to choose from, some of which help your child maintain focus and attention and others that slow overactive brain processing. 

Behavioral therapy is also a great way to treat ADHD and is often done in conjunction with medication. This special form of therapy helps your child refine their emotional, social, and planning skills, which are often areas that are lacking for kids with ADHD. 

How can I help make my child’s treatment more effective?

Parents can assist their kids by learning more about the challenges posed by ADHD. When parents understand how this brain condition affects behavior, it can be easier to cope with scenarios that might otherwise look like willful disobedience. 

Another great way to support your child is by sharing their diagnosis with the teachers and administrators at school. Schools have services in place to help kids with ADHD and other behavioral challenges, and they can work in partnership with families to ensure your child continues to learn. 

Due to the importance of monitoring your child’s behavioral habits and the controlled medications that ADHD sometimes requires, we have policies in place for our ADHD patients to follow. These policies are set in accordance with federal requirements and your insurance company. Your provider will be happy to discuss this with you during your visit.

For more information, call Vidalia Pediatric Clinic or schedule an appointment online today.