Children and adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have trouble paying attention and focusing on tasks. Symptoms can include inattention and short attention spans, impulsive behavior without much thought to the consequences, and hyperactivity.
Although symptoms vary by child, ADHD often begins to present itself between the ages of 6 – 12. Many times children with ADHD:
- Struggle in school with low grades
- Lack organizational or study skills
- Have difficulty in social situations
- Wrestle with self-esteem
There is no known cause for ADHD, but research indicates that it tends to run in families. While it’s unlikely that children will outgrow it, they often find ways to adapt to the condition as they get older.
Dr. Larry Nulton and Nulton Diagnostic and Treatment Center are recognized regional leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a confidential consultation.
Diagnosis
Right now, there is no single test that can diagnose ADHD. Instead, an accurate diagnosis depends on a comprehensive physical exam, and meetings with and observations by people who interact with your child on a regular basis.
Our team of child psychologists follows guidelines established by the American Psychiatric Assocation to diagnose ADHD. These guidelines include:
- A physical exam by your child’s medical doctor to rule out other conditions.
- Comprehensive analysis of data and information from several sources, including parents, teachers and caregivers
- An in-depth review of your child’s behavior, comparing it to other children of the same age
- Cognitive assessments
- Examinations for other learning disabilities
- Observation
Results of these combined efforts will determine the diagnosis.
Treatment
Although ADHD cannot be cured, it can be treated. Typically, this includes medication, which has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms in about 70% of children who are diagnosed with ADHD.
Children can also benefit from counseling provided by trained members of our team, extra support at school and a supportive home. This helps them better understand their condition, and keeps them more tuned into their behavior and actions.
In addition, Nulton Diagnostic and Treatment Center offers innovative telemedicine services to treat children with ADHD. Using real-time videoconferencing technology, families can consult with specialists from Recognized Institutes as needed – without leaving the community. Treatment and additional counseling services are also available via our telemedicine program.
Resources
Members of our team are available to answer any questions you may have about ADHD and what to expect as your child grows. For more general information, you can also visit these web sites:
