ADHD Evaluations

Evaluation and Diagnosis of Symptoms

If you think your child is having problems with focusing and attention, we will do an initial evaluation, then along with you and your child decide on an appropriate treatment plan. If medication is chosen we will continue to monitor and treat your child, making any adjustments that are necessary. 

The ultimate goal in the treatment of ADHD/ADD is to make your child as successful as possible in all aspects of his/her life.

ADHD FAQs

  • What is ADHD?

    Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD have a lot of activity in their brains which can be difficult to control. They maybe trying to focus on one thing but their brain might be thinking of 2 or 3 other things at the same time. 

    Brains have different areas that are responsible for skills such as self-regulation, organization, working memory, problem-solving, reasoning, and time perception. The brain areas affected determine your child’s ADHD symptoms.

  • What symptoms develop due to ADHD?

    ADHD symptoms fall into three categories: inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Some children may only struggle with inattention, while others have trouble with two or three categories.


    Each child has a different range and severity of symptoms. However, if their symptoms are severe enough they can affect their performance at school, at home, and when socializing.


    When children struggle with inattention, they:

     

    • Can’t pay attention at school or while playing
    • Have difficulty organizing tasks
    • Avoid tasks requiring mental effort
    • Lose important items
    • Forget to do homework and chore

    When children struggle with hyperactivity and impulsivity, they:

     

    • Fidget, squirm, or get out of their seat during class
    • Run or climb when it’s inappropriate
    • Talk excessively and interrupt conversations
    • Have a hard time waiting for their turn
    • Act or speak without thinking
    • Struggle may with friendships

    Children and adolescents with ADHD also have problems with working memory. Working memory allows them to hold several pieces of information in their head long enough to use them to plan, do calculations, or to coordinate one activity with another.

  • How do you diagnose and treat ADHD?

    To evaluate and diagnose ADHD, we use tools such as a checklist of symptoms, talking with parents and children about their challenges, and questionnaires completed by parents and teachers. 


    Once your child has an ADHD diagnosis, we will prescribe treatment and schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor their progress.


    We may recommend conventional and/or holistic treatments, depending on each child’s needs. For example, your child may improve with a combination of medication, dietary changes, and behavioral support.


    If you or your child’s teacher are concerned about your child’s inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive behaviors, call our office to schedule an ADHD evaluation.