As a parent, it’s natural to worry when you see your child constantly fidgeting, struggling to focus, or acting impulsively. You might be feeling concerned and unsure about what’s going on—could it be Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? The condition affects 11.4% of children between 3 and 17, with nearly 7 million ADHD diagnoses in the U.S. in 2022.
If you’re worried that your child might have ADHD, it can be overwhelming to know where to turn. You’re not alone in this—many parents face the same questions, such as, can a pediatrician diagnose ADHD and provide the support your child needs?
At Serenity Pediatrics, we understand how stressful it can be to navigate these concerns. Our caring pediatricians can help diagnose ADHD and guide you through the next steps, so your child can start receiving the support they need to thrive.
ADHD and Its Symptoms
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a common mental health condition affecting children worldwide. Kids with ADHD often struggle to concentrate. They may seem overly active and make hasty decisions. These symptoms vary depending on the specific form of ADHD, which includes primarily inattentive, primarily hyperactive-impulsive, or a combination of both.
Common ADHD symptoms you might notice in your child include:
- Loses focus easily during tasks
- Seems always on the go, as if driven by a motor
- Frequently interrupts conversations or activities
- Often misplaces homework and personal items
- Has difficulty organizing tasks and following instructions
- Shows emotional reactions that seem excessive or out of context
If these behaviors sound familiar, it’s understandable to feel concerned. Recognizing these signs in your child is an important first step, and we can help you find the right guidance and support.
Can a Pediatrician Diagnose ADHD?
Pediatricians are trained to recognize and evaluate ADHD symptoms in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides guidelines that help pediatricians identify ADHD in children and adolescents.
When you bring your child to Serenity Pediatrics with concerns about ADHD, we’ll walk you through the following process:
Initial Evaluation
At Serenity Pediatrics, the journey to diagnosing ADHD or Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) begins with an initial evaluation. Your physician gathers detailed medical, developmental, and behavioral histories while observing your child’s behavior. This comprehensive assessment sets the foundation for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
Assessment Forms
After the initial evaluation, the next step is filling out the NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Forms. We’ll need you to complete four of these forms:
- A parent assessment you fill out for your child
- A parent follow-up form
- A teacher-based assessment that your child’s teachers complete
- A teach follow-up form
These questionnaires give us a well-rounded picture of your child’s behavior in various settings. They help us catch details that might not be noticeable during a clinic visit, allowing for a more thorough evaluation.
Ongoing Care and Support
The care management phase begins once the forms are completed and returned to our office. We enroll each patient diagnosed with ADHD or ADD into our Care Management program and assign your child to one of our dedicated RN care managers.
The care manager monitors your child’s progress, encourages regular follow-up appointments, and addresses any additional needs or concerns during treatment. This structured support helps you and your child manage the disorder more effectively, leading to improved well-being.
Treatment for Children Diagnosed With ADHD
Once your child’s pediatrician diagnoses ADHD, they’ll receive personalized, supportive care. Our skilled doctors and RNs may suggest the following treatments and interventions to help your child and your family manage ADHD:
- Medication management. We may prescribe medications as a primary treatment for ADHD. This could include stimulants, which are effective in improving focus and reducing impulsivity and hyperactivity, or non-stimulant medications, chosen based on the child’s specific symptoms and needs.
- Behavioral therapy. Your doctor might recommend behavioral interventions that teach children strategies to manage their symptoms better. These techniques can help with organization, focus, and impulse control, allowing your child to thrive.
- Educational support. Many children with ADHD benefit from individualized educational plans (IEPs) or 504 plans in school. These plans are designed to provide accommodations that help children succeed academically, such as extended test times, reduced homework loads, or the provision of a quiet workspace.
- Diet and lifestyle changes. Some families find that changes in diet and lifestyle, such as increased physical activity and reduced sugar intake, can help manage ADHD. Your doctor might discuss dietary changes, such as lowering lectin intake, that could reduce the severity of your child’s symptoms.
Taking the Next Steps: Schedule an ADHD Consultation With Serenity Pediatrics
If you’re concerned that your child has ADHD, your pediatrician is an excellent first point of contact. At Serenity Pediatrics, our pediatricians can diagnose ADHD so your child can begin treatment for their symptoms.
Contact us to schedule an initial assessment. We’ll talk with you and your child about what they’re experiencing and determine the best steps forward to help manage their condition.