ADHD

Around 6.1 million children in the United States struggle in school and at home because of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). At the Center for Advanced Pediatrics, the experienced pediatricians offer ADHD assessments in-office. The team works together to create a care plan to reduce your child’s impulsive behaviors and help them stay focused at school. If you have concerns about your child’s behaviors at home or success at school, call the Center for Advanced Pediatrics office in Norwalk or Darien, Connecticut, today or book an appointment online.

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that causes ongoing patterns of inattention and impulsive behaviors.

ADHD symptoms often appear between ages three and six and can continue into adulthood. ADHD can disrupt a child’s learning ability and cause behavioral problems at home, school, and other social settings.

Children with unmanaged ADHD are at increased risk of developing depression, relationship problems, and anxiety.

What are the symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD symptoms in children differ from person to person but can include:

• Making careless mistakes in schoolwork
• Difficulty paying attention
• Inability to stay organized
• Being easily distracted
• Unable to sit still for more than a few minutes
• Excessive talking

If you’re child shows any of these symptoms, or if they’re doing poorly in school because of these problems, you should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at the Center for Advanced Pediatrics.

The team follows the latest guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for assessing ADHD symptoms in children. They also gather information from you, your family members, and your child’s caregivers and teachers to determine how best to meet your child’s needs.

How is ADHD managed?

While there’s no cure for ADHD, the Center for Advanced Pediatrics team can design a treatment plan to manage your child’s symptoms. Your child can thrive physically, socially, emotionally, and academically.

Effective treatments for ADHD include:

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) teaches your child coping strategies they can use to manage their symptoms. In addition to your child receiving therapy, it’s also beneficial for your family to undergo therapy to better support your child’s needs.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is a therapy that helps your child recognize negative beliefs, thought patterns, and behaviors that are common with ADHD. Kids learn to shift their thoughts and behaviors to healthier, more positive ones.

Medication

If therapy isn’t enough to manage your child’s symptoms, the team can prescribe medication. Medication helps reduce hyperactivity and improve your child’s focus at home and school.

The Center for Advanced Pediatrics team can also work with your child’s teachers and caregivers to have the resources they need to help your child succeed.

To schedule an ADHD consultation, call the Center for Advanced Pediatrics office nearest to you today or book an appointment online.