Families who have a child with ADHD often struggle to find the right support for themselves and their children. At Abdow Friendship Pediatrics in Rockville, Maryland, Victor Abdow Jr., MD, and Azra Jagani, MD, have extensive experience treating children with ADHD and can help your family find a path forward. Book your visit online or by phone for ADHD treatment today.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder that occurs when there are differences in a child’s brain. It’s not a disease you can catch or spread, but it can have a negative impact on a child’s ability to thrive at home, at school, and in social settings.
Researchers are uncertain of the exact causes of ADHD but believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are to blame. A brain injury, premature birth, and low birth weight are all common among kids with ADHD.
Interestingly, teachers and caregivers are often the first to spot the symptoms of ADHD, even before a child’s parents. That may happen because professionals who work with children regularly can easily identify when a child’s behavior falls outside the norm of their peers. Once ADHD is diagnosed, treatment can begin.
There are several different varieties of ADHD categorized by the type of symptoms presented. The condition usually manifests symptoms during childhood, but there are also people who don’t get diagnosed until they are well into adulthood.
Predominantly inattentive ADHD
Kids with this form of ADHD struggle to stay organized or finish tasks. They often can’t follow conversations or adhere to instructions. Sticking with daily routines is also a challenge. Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive ADHD
Kids with this form of ADHD find it nearly impossible to stay still. They might fidget, run, or climb when the setting is not appropriate. Risk-taking behaviors are also common. They often interrupt the conversation of others and have a hard time waiting their turn.
Combined ADHD
Kids with this form of ADHD present symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive ADHD. As with all other types, symptoms often shift and change over time as the child matures.
Determining the type of ADHD your child is experiencing is the first step in crafting an ADHD treatment plan.
Fortunately, there are many treatments that can help kids with ADHD. Medication might play a role in your child’s treatment plan. There are multiple medications to choose from, and your practitioner will never rely solely on drug therapy to assist your family.
Behavioral therapy can go a long way toward teaching your child how to manage their ADHD symptoms. It takes time, but kids can learn how to improve their social, communication, and academic skills.
Parents also benefit from behavioral training. It isn’t always easy to parent a child with ADHD, and having the support of a skilled medical team can be incredibly beneficial. Learning how to adjust your expectations and how to discipline kids with ADHD are two central areas of focus.
The practitioners at Abdow Friendship Pediatrics have the skills and training needed to diagnose and treat ADHD with no age restrictions. Book a visit today to learn more, either online or over the phone.
We specialize in Pediatric and Adolescent medicine in Rockville, MD. Call us to book your appointment today.