ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also called attention-deficit disorder (ADD), affects around 8.4% of American children, disrupting their social and academic success. At Pediatric POST, in Crystal Lake, Illinois, the team of expert pediatricians diagnoses and treats ADHD to help your child thrive. Call Pediatric POST today or reach out online for personalized ADHD treatment.

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent pediatric mental health disorder. It affects your child’s ability to focus, play quietly, or sit still. 

When unmanaged, ADHD can interfere with your child’s ability to succeed at school, both socially and academically. It can also contribute to self-esteem issues and disrupt life at home for your whole family.

What are the warning signs of ADHD?

There are three classifications of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive, and combined. Your child’s diagnosis depends on their symptoms.

Inattentive symptoms include:

• Doesn’t pay attention to details
• Makes careless mistakes
• Doesn’t seem to listen
• Doesn’t follow instructions
• Poor time management
• Messy, disorganized work
• Frequently misplaces items like homework or books
• Easily distracted
• Forgetful
  

Hyperactive ADHD symptoms include:

• Fidgets
• Can’t stay seated
• Runs and plays at inappropriate times
• Has trouble playing quietly
• Extremely talkative
• Blurts out answers and interrupts
• Has trouble taking turns
  

Children with combined ADHD have a combination of inattentive and hyperactive symptoms.

Children are naturally energetic and playful, and sometimes it’s hard to determine if their behavior is normal or a sign of ADHD or another issue. In general, if your child’s behavior is causing problems at home or school, you should visit Pediatric POST.

How is ADHD treated?

The team of pediatricians at Pediatric POST begins with developmental and behavioral evaluations to diagnose ADHD and assess how the condition is affecting your child’s well-being. 

Then depending on your child’s condition, your pediatrician creates customized treatment plans to help regulate your child’s behavior and provide the support they need to thrive. Your child’s treatment plan could include medication and counseling. 

Additionally, many children benefit from dietary adjustments and adding additional physical activity to their day. Nutrition is critical to all aspects of your child’s health, and regular exercise increases health and confidence and helps your child burn off excessive energy.

Your pediatrician can provide referrals to specialists when necessary. They can also collaborate with your child’s educators to create an individualized education program (IEP) to provide the support your child needs to succeed at school. 

If you’re concerned about your child’s behavior and are worried about ADHD, call Pediatric POST today for expert, compassionate pediatric health services. You can also schedule an appointment online.