ADHD Care

What is ADHD care? 

ADHD care is the treatment of Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a common mental health challenge that can affect young children and teenagers. ADHD symptoms are common and usually develop in childhood.

The condition can reduce your child’s ability to focus and stay on task with their homework. When left untreated, ADHD might manifest in their grades at school, interpersonal relationships, and jobs as they grow older.

What are some signs my child might need ADHD care?

Symptoms of ADHD in children, adolescents, and teenagers can include any combination of the following:

• Problems focusing
• Poor organization and time management
• Difficulty sitting still
• Fidgeting and squirming
• Impulsive behaviors
• Daydreaming often
• Losing items easily 
• Relationship challenges

You might notice your child gets distracted easily, has difficulty paying attention, or makes careless mistakes at school because of ADHD.

If these signs and symptoms sound familiar, your child may benefit from a mental health assessment at Pediatric Associates of Southwest Missouri. The fantastic team of providers can guide your child on the best path to navigating different aspects of their life.

What does ADHD care involve?

Your child’s ADHD care may include two types of treatment:

Behavioral therapy

Behavioral therapy for children can also include training for parents. Your child’s school can be part of ADHD care as well. AAP recommendations suggest adding behavioral classroom and school support.

Medications

Medications referred to as stimulants are the best-known and most widely used ADHD medications to treat ADHD. Between 70-80% of children with ADHD have fewer ADHD symptoms when taking these fast-acting medications.

For children with ADHD under six years of age, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends parent training in behavior management as the first line of treatment before trying medication.

For children six years of age and older, recommendations include medication and behavior therapy combined — parent training in behavior management for children up to age 12 and other types of behavior therapy, including training for adolescents.

Parents are advised to work closely with others involved in their child’s life to find the best ADHD care options — health care providers, therapists, coaches, teachers, and family members.

Effective treatment plans involve close monitoring of whether and how much a treatment helps the child’s behavior and making changes as needed along the way.

To request a consultation for ADHD care, call Pediatric Associates of Southwest Missouri or schedule an appointment online today. The practice offers online check-ins and often accommodates same-day appointments.