Are you concerned that your child may have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)? Have teachers expressed concerns about grades, poor attention or hyperactive behaviors at school?
There are several steps to be taken to help determine if your child has ADHD. It is a collaborative effort with parents, children and teachers each providing vital information.
First, we will need to establish if the behaviors occur in 2 or more environments (ie: home and school) and if they are outside of the norm for what is expected at your child’s age and stage of development. To help determine this, you will have a dedicated appointment with the Pediatrician to talk about your concerns and review the provided Vanderbilt forms.
Your Pediatrician will then listen to your concerns, talk to your child and thoughtfully consider other possible conditions or learning differences that could be contributing to the behaviors.
If diagnosed with ADHD, you will discuss treatment options with the Pediatrician. This is a good time to ask any questions you or your child may have about the diagnosis and possible treatments.
Your child may or may not need stimulant medications. Often, interventions within the school (through a 504 plan) and at home (through Parent-Child Interaction Therapy) can provide enough support for the child to thrive without medications.
However, if your child is diagnosed with ADHD and started on medication, they will need to be seen in 2 weeks to monitor for side effects and efficacy of the medication and then every 3 months thereafter to adjust treatment as indicated.
If your child does need to start medication for ADHD, you will be provided 1 month of medication at a time. The ADHD medications are controlled substances and by state law can only be given one month at a time or if insurance allows can do a 90 month supply if doing well. Please notify our office at least 3 business days in advance to give our Pediatrician time to review the chart and refill your prescription.
Your Pediatrician will also provide a letter of diagnosis and a letter for your school recommending a 504 plan be implemented for your child.
