ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can cause severe disruption to a child’s education, social life, and emotional well-being. If your child shows consistent signs of ADHD, visit Katherine Peppers, DNP, CPNP-PC, CPMHS, at Behavioral & Developmental Pediatrics in Raleigh, North Carolina. Katherine and her highly experienced colleagues excel at diagnosing and treating children with ADHD. Call the office to arrange an ADHD evaluation or schedule a consultation online today.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that usually starts causing problems in early childhood — typically by age 12 and often before a child starts school.

ADHD’s causes are unclear, but it results in brain function differences that affect emotions and behaviors.

Many children receive a timely diagnosis because parents and teachers are more familiar with ADHD now. However, some still go undiagnosed until they reach adulthood.

What symptoms might a child with ADHD display?

Children with ADHD exhibit one, two, or all three of the following challenging behaviors:

Hyperactivity

Hyperactive children are continually on the go, playing, talking, and sometimes misbehaving because they find it difficult to stay still and quiet. They may interrupt others, become easily frustrated, and not listen properly. Fidgeting, squirming when seated, and frequent impatience are all characteristics of hyperactive ADHD.

Impulsivity

Impulsivity closely relates to hyperactivity. Children affected by it act without considering the consequences, such as running into traffic or swimming without checking to see if it’s safe. Because they don’t stop to evaluate their decisions, children may hurt themselves and often get into trouble for their behavior.

Inattentiveness

Inattentive behaviors include:

• Frequent daydreaming
• Difficulty concentrating
• Poor timekeeping
• Not paying attention to details
• Making frequent mistakes
• Disliking time-consuming tasks
• Not hearing when spoken to
• Failing to follow instructions
• Frequently losing things
• Poor organizational skills
• Avoiding tasks requiring focus, like reading and homework
• Becoming easily distracted
• Forgetfulness

Children may have all or some of these symptoms. They may find it hard to fulfill their potential at school and could develop anger management problems, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

Identifying ADHD early enables your child to receive the support they need to flourish at school, at home, and in relationships.

What support does a child with ADHD need?

ADHD treatment and support at Behavioral & Developmental Pediatrics takes three forms:

Medications

Stimulant medications help the areas of a child’s brain affected by ADHD to function better. Concentration improves, and they find managing their emotions and behaviors easier. Non-stimulants are available if your child doesn’t react well to stimulants.

Behavioral therapy

Behavioral therapy gives children the tools required to recognize and change unhelpful behaviors.

Parent education

Understanding why your child behaves as they do helps you remain patient and supportive. You can provide adaptations that make life easier and teach them coping mechanisms for daily challenges. Knowing they have your support can make a significant difference to children with ADHD.

Call Behavioral & Developmental Pediatrics or book an appointment online today for expert ADHD diagnosis and treatment.