ADHD Consultation
Most people know at least one child who is unable to sit still and can never seem to follow instructions or listen. While these children may be labeled as undisciplined, lazy, or even troublemakers, this isn’t always the case.
ADHD affects a significant number of children in the United States. It can show up in a variety of ways and the effects of this disorder are often associated with negative consequences.
What Is ADHD?
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a relatively broad term and can range from child to child. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are approximately 6.4 million children diagnosed with ADHD in the United States. Children with ADHD may have trouble completing tasks at school or at home, trouble sitting still, and following directions.
Unfortunately, while a number of screening tools have been developed that are useful in helping to identify the condition, there is no definitive test for ADHD. This can make ADHD very tricky to recognize. The same symptoms caused by ADHD can also be caused by a number of other conditions. It takes time and judgement to avoid erroneously labeling patients as “ADHD” when in fact there is something else going on. Should such a misdiagnosis occur, the treatment plan may target the wrong condition, masking the true problem until much later in life when it will almost certainly be more difficult to address.
Helping Your Child with ADHD
Left untreated, ADHD can cause significant problems. It may cause your child to have difficulty controlling themselves or focusing. They may also find it harder to get along with other students and make friends. These difficulties can transcend the classroom and result in low self-esteem as well as stress and friction for the entire family. However, treatment can make a significant difference in the symptoms your child experiences.
Interested in Scheduling an ADHD Consultation with Stepping Stone Pediatrics?
If your child has been displaying symptoms that mirror ADHD, Dr. Kim and his experienced medical team at Stepping Stone Pediatrics can assist in addressing your child’s symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention and help identify whether your child has ADHD.
We will work to create a personalized treatment plan that meets the individual needs of your child with careful attention paid to other possible diagnoses that may be contributing factors. Our treatment plans include parental education and training, behavioral therapy, social support, assistance at school and possibly medication. We recognize that virtually no parent is excited about starting their child on medication for these symptoms and place a high priority on working collaboratively with you to define a treatment plan that all are comfortable with.
You can schedule a consultation to discuss concerns about ADHD and your child by simply calling for an appointment. Let the scheduler know that you are requesting an “Initial ADHD Consult” and she will be happy to assist you. Please note that we ask that the child NOT be present for the first consultation. This is important to insure the ability to conduct a frank and candid conversation.