ADD/ADHD
ADD/ADHD is a syndrome. The syndrome is composed of 3 categories: hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention. A diagnosis of ADHD is made by your SPG provider if your child exhibits symptoms and features as defined by established criteria. When these problems are of a degree that they interfere with his/her ability to lead a normal life a diagnosis can be made. There are no laboratory tests to confirm the diagnosis, but your provider may use a screening tool to diagnose ADD/ADHD. Untreated, ADHD may cause symptoms in different situations such as at school, with friends or at home. 4-12% of school aged children have ADHD. About 3 times more boys than girls are diagnosed with ADHD.
Criteria for Diagnosis include:
- Symptoms occur in more than one setting (home, social and school)
- Symptoms occur for greater than 6 months
- Symptoms must be present before the age of 7
- Symptoms impair academic, social, or occupational activities
- Symptoms are beyond what is considered normal for your child’s developmental level
- Symptoms are not due to a different diagnosis
Rating scales
Your SPG provider may have you and your child’s teachers complete a rating scale to help diagnose ADHD. These tests, in addition to discussions with your provider, and a physical exam will be used to help make a diagnosis. Other disorders must be investigated as well. Over ½ of children diagnosed with ADHD may have other or associated disorders such as learning disabilities.
Treatment Options
There is no specific cure for ADHD. Education and behavioral therapy often help reduce symptoms. However, when these strategies are not enough, medication may be needed. Behavior therapy is dependent on your child’s age and development. Some therapies include setting goals, providing rewards and consequences of behaviors, and consistency may help to improve your child’s behaviors and decrease symptoms.
Tips for parents
- Keep your child on a daily schedule
- Decrease distractions
- Reward good behavior
- Set small, reachable goals
- Use charts/checklists to track homework/chores
- Limit choices
- Find activities your child will succeed at
- Use calm discipline
Tips for teachers
Teachers can also have routines, reward systems, behavior charts, sit your child near them, use small groups, keep assignments short/break them into sections, positive cues to stay on task.
Medications
Medication may be prescribed. Medication can be short or long acting depending on your child’s needs. Common side effects to these medications include: sleeping/appetite problems, staring/daydreaming, withdrawal (bad mood/irritability as the medication wears off), anxiety, stomach aches, nausea/vomiting, dry mouth, irritability, emotional lability, dizziness, tics.
ADHD medications are not based on weight and often take time and patience to determine the correct medication and dosage for your child. If your child is having any side effects on the medication, please feel free to contact your provider. We require a 1 and 3 month follow up visit with your provider after medication is started to monitor the progress and evaluate for possible side effects.
We then require your child to be seen every 6 months, once for an ADHD medication follow up and once for a well child (routine) exam. Your provider will need to follow your child’s height/weight and blood pressure while on medication. Parents must call for a refill request every 28-30 days - when you call the office follow the prompts for prescription refill. Be certain to leave a message with your child’s name, birth date, name and dose of the medication and a phone number if there is a problem. Prescription requests take 24 hours to fill.