ADHD in Children
Many signs of ADHD can be dismissed as typical childhood behavior. However, these symptoms could be a leading indicator of your child’s diagnosis. ADHD can be diagnosed at any age. Testing your child enables you to collaborate with doctors and your child’s school to give them the best plan to succeed socially and academically. At WMPS, we aim to equip parents with the knowledge and resources to support their children. Here are a few ways to help you evaluate if your child has ADHD.
What is ADHD?
ADHD, which stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a condition that commonly causes symptoms related to trouble staying still, impulsivity, and struggling to focus. It can alter the brain’s ability to regulate emotions and attention. It’s important to remember that symptoms affect individuals differently, in various degrees, and some children may not struggle with all three. Untreated, these symptoms can lead to academic and social struggles. However, by testing your child and creating a tailored plan, you can help improve and instill skills to support your child’s continued success into adulthood.
Symptoms of ADHD in children
The condition affects the executive function, which is the management part of the brain, leading to symptoms such as:
- Difficulty managing time
- Has a hard time staying organized
- Struggles to manage emotions
- Easily frustrated
- Frequently loses belongings
- Not thinking before speaking or executing tasks
- Unable to shift focus from one thing to another quickly
- Struggles to stay focused
- Fidgets (or tapping hands or feet)
- Difficulty waiting for their turn
- Interrupts others
- Struggles to begin tasks
- Difficulty making or keeping friends
- Excessive talking
ADHD can manifest very differently in individuals and to various degrees; that’s why it’s important to remember that children may only have a few of these symptoms, and other symptoms could be the complete opposite of their personality. With the level of variability within ADHD, it’s important to get your child tested if they are struggling academically or socially to begin supporting them now.
ADHD evaluation
General health care providers, psychiatrists, and clinical psychologists can provide evaluation and diagnosis. The evaluation is a comprehensive process in which the medical professional assesses how significantly the symptoms affect the child in all aspects of life. At WMPS, we have therapists who specialize in ADHD and can provide an evaluation. We understand that parents may have questions about the necessity of medication, therapy options, and accommodating documents for school, and we are eager to help with them.
The next step
After an evaluation and ADHD diagnosis, parents, the child’s school, therapists, and primary care doctors collaborate to create a comprehensive support plan. This plan optimizes the child’s learning environment, provides strategies to manage symptoms, and determines appropriate medication. It includes accommodations like modified assignments, extended test time, preferential seating, and behavioral interventions. Regular therapy sessions equip the child with emotional and physical symptom management strategies. Most importantly, an open line of communication among all parties is needed to provide adaptable support in the child’s best interest.
At WMPS, we know that making big decisions for your child’s well-being requires questions, research, and the correct information. We want to provide you with ongoing support through elevations, open communication, and, if you choose, therapy and medication support. We meet clients where they are in their wellness journey to provide empathetic, quality, and clinically sound counseling and assessment. Contact us today, and let’s work together to find lasting solutions for your child!
