Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is among the most common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood, with an estimated prevalence of 5 to 8%. Symptoms of ADHD fall into three different categories 1) inattention, 2) hyperactivity and 3) impulsivity. In normal development, children will occasionally have difficulty sitting still, paying attention, or controlling behavior. However, children with ADHD have far greater difficulty in these areas in that it significantly interferes with school and home life. According to the DSM-IV-TR, there are three types of ADHD:
Predominantly Inattentive Type: It is hard for the individual to organize or finish a task, to pay attention to details, or to follow instructions or conversations. The person is easily distracted or forgets details of daily routines.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: The person fidgets and talks a lot. It is hard to sit still for long (e.g., for a meal or while doing homework). Smaller children may run, jump or climb constantly. The individual feels restless and has trouble with impulsivity. Someone who is impulsive may interrupt others a lot, grab things from people, or speak at inappropriate times. It is hard for the person to wait their turn or listen to directions. A person with impulsiveness may have more accidents and injuries than others.
Combined Type: Symptoms of the above two types are equally present in the person.
Since many of the other problems such as anxiety, depressions, and some learning disorders share many of the same symptoms, it is important to have an evaluation that rules out other problems.
SERVICES OFFERED
Neuropsychological Evaluation – a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation that includes diagnostic interviewing, psychological and neuropsychological tests that may include assessing the following areas: cognitive ability, adaptive skills, attention, language, executive functioning, memory, motor ability, visual-spatial and visual-motor ability, academic skills, and socio-emotional functioning.
Cogmed Working Memory Training - is a home-based computerized brain training program that is designed to help people sustainably improve their working memory capacity. Clinically proven results demonstrate that after training, users increase their ability to concentrate, control impulsive behavior, and better utilize complex reasoning skills. In the end, better academic performance can be achieved especially in math and reading. Research has supported its use with children with ADHD.
School Consultations – I can visit a child’s school as needed for several purposes, including classroom observation, IEP meetings, teacher training, or designing a behavioral program with the child’s teacher to help with academic productivity. I can provide advice on educational accommodations when these are appropriate under IDEA or Section 504.
Resources
Children and Adults with Attention/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
National Resource Center On ADHD
