Should My Child See an ADHD Specialist?
It’s common for children to show some inattentiveness or hyperactivity, but how do you know if it’s more than typical behavior? If you’re a parent wondering about a possible diagnosis for your child, it’s important to understand the signs and when to seek professional guidance from an ADHD specialist.
Signs of ADHD in Kids
ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects 1 in 9 children in the U.S. The key signs often fall into three main categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While many children may exhibit some of these behaviors occasionally, a child with ADHD will display them more frequently and intensely, and they’ll likely interfere with their daily life at school, home, and with friends.
Inattention
This isn’t just about a child daydreaming; it’s a persistent difficulty with focus and organization.
Look out for these signs:
- Hard time paying attention and often daydreaming.
- Doesn’t seem to be listening when spoken to.
- Easily distracted by external stimuli.
- Makes careless mistakes and overlooks details.
- Often disorganized and loses important items.
- Avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort.
Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
Hyperactivity refers to a child who’s constantly on the move, while impulsivity is a tendency to act without thinking. These two often go hand-in-hand.
- Hyperactivity: A child who’s constantly in motion, can’t sit still, and talks excessively. They may fidget, squirm, and have trouble staying seated, even when it’s expected.
- Impulsivity: This can look like blurting out answers, interrupting conversations, or having trouble waiting for their turn. They may also act without considering the consequences.
If you’re noticing these behaviors are consistent, severe, and affecting your child’s functioning, it’s a good idea to seek professional help.
Can a Pediatrician Diagnose ADHD?
Yes! The first step is to schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician, who can conduct an initial evaluation and help you determine the next steps. It’s important to be prepared to discuss your observations about your child’s behavior at home and school.
Your pediatrician may also ask you to fill out behavioral rating scales to get a more complete picture, including evidence-based screens such as the Vanderbilt for younger kids or the ASRS in older children/adults. Based on this initial assessment, they can provide a diagnosis or refer you to an ADHD specialist for further evaluation.
Exploring ADHD Treatment Options
If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, your pediatrician will work with you to create a comprehensive treatment plan. This may include behavioral therapy, educational support such as a 504 plan, and in some cases, medication.
ADHD Medication and Your Child
For many parents, the idea of medication for their child can be a big concern. It’s important to remember that medication is a personal choice, and it’s something you should discuss thoroughly with your child’s pediatrician.
Your doctor will explain how different medications work, the potential benefits, and any possible side effects. The ultimate goal of medication is to help improve focus and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity so they can better engage with their environment.
“ADHD medications have over forty years of proven safety and effectiveness, more than any other medicines used in children. Parents can feel confident that the doctors at Raleigh Pediatrics will make sound, evidence-based decisions for their children.”
– Dr. Allen Hewett
Setting Realistic Goals for ADHD Treatment
Once treatment begins, you and your pediatrician may set clear, measurable, and achievable goals, or “target outcomes.” These might include improvements in completing assignments in school, better relationships with peers, or fewer behavioral challenges at home.
Your doctor will monitor your child’s progress closely and may adjust the treatment plan as needed. The journey is a partnership between you, your child, and your healthcare team, with the ultimate goal of helping your child thrive.
Pediatric ADHD Testing in Raleigh, NC and Garner, NC
If you have concerns about your child’s development, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician. Contact Raleigh Pediatrics by messaging us or calling (919) 872-0250 (Raleigh office) or (919) 779-6423 (Garner office). Your message will be received by our Behavioral Health Coordinators to begin your consultation and schedule an appointment with your physician.