Kids are active by nature, prone to bursts of energy, bouts of impatience, and occasionally acting out. But when the inability to sit still, concentrate and practice self control become constant occurrences, it could be a sign your child has a chemical imbalance called attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly known as ADHD.

At ABC Pediatrics in McKinney, we can help you manage your child's ADHD on an individual level. Our specialists are here to listen, advise, and monitor your child's ADHD and help them be healthy and happy. Here is what to know about ADHD:

What are the signs of ADHD?

The signs of ADHD can vary among youth and adolescents, with some experiencing hyperactivity, impulsiveness, forgetful tendencies, squirming, or disorganization. Among their peers, they may be prone to interrupting or talking excessively without the ability to read social cues and stop to listen. With adults and teachers, your child may exhibit a refusal or inability to take direction, focus on the matter or task at hand, or sit quietly.

At our McKinney office, we will go over which of these signs your child exhibits, and the severity of those signs, to determine the best course of action.

What can I do to help my child manage their ADHD?

Helping your child manage their ADHD is done on a case by case basis, with some youth responding to basic lifestyle changes and others benefiting from a prescription medication.

At our office, we don't take prescribing stimulant, cognition enhancing, or anti-hypertensive drugs lightly. Modifying your child's diet, sleep schedule, and fitness level may prove helpful, as could family, individual or cognitive behavior therapy. The specialists at our office may also recommend a combination of medication and therapy or lifestyle habit adjustments.

Contact ABC Pediatrics in McKinney, TX, at (972) 569-9904 if your child is exhibiting signs of ADHD. Together we can make a plan that fits your family.

How your pediatricians in McKinney, TX, can help with ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, commonly known as ADHD, can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. It’s often hard to tell the difference between normal behavioral milestones like testing boundaries, and abnormal behaviors like aggressiveness.

Your pediatrician can help. The pediatricians at ABC Pediatrics in McKinney, TX, offer a full range of pediatric services including diagnosing and treating behavioral disorders, learning disabilities, and ADHD.

There are some definite signs and symptoms of ADHD. According to the Child Development Institute, your child may have ADHD if he or she experiences:

• Difficulty staying seated for long periods
• Chronic squirming or fidgeting
• Chronic lack of organization
• Forgetting or losing things
• Frequently not listening or following directions
• Difficulty paying attention to details
• Excessive talking or blurting out comments
• Running, climbing, or other activities at an inappropriate time or place

Without treatment, ADHD can lead to problems which can continue into adulthood, including:

• Learning difficulties and poor grades
• Destructive behaviors and aggression
• Difficulty forming friendships
• Severe mood swings and depression
• Sleep disorders and insomnia

Your pediatrician offers several effective treatments to manage ADHD. These treatments are often used together to help with ADHD:

• Medication therapy, using medications that help to increase brain function, sharpen the ability to focus, and increase self-control mechanisms; some of the most common medications include Adderall and Ritalin.
• Behavioral therapy, involving both the child and the parents and focusing on tools and techniques to reduce inappropriate, aggressive, and destructive behaviors.
• Lifestyle modification, which can include diet (avoiding sugar, and increasing nutrients and vitamins) and increasing exercise and activity level.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can affect your child in dramatic and unexpected ways. If you think your child is experiencing symptoms of ADHD, it’s time to take action. It’s time to call the pediatricians at ABC Pediatrics in McKinney, TX. Your child deserves to enjoy a great life, so call today!

How our doctors in McKinney TX, can help your child

An ADHD diagnosis can be a startling experience, especially when your child is the one being diagnosed. However, this common condition is manageable. In fact, learning how to manage its symptoms early can help you and your child lead a normal, happy life. Learn more about childhood ADHD, its diagnoses, and how your doctor can help treat it by reading below, and contact Dr. Suzanne Davis, Dr. Steven Rodrigues, Dr. Marisa Rosales, and Dr. Rachel Johnston at ABC Pediatrics in McKinney, TX, if you are interested in a consultation.

Does my child have ADHD?
Children with ADHD may exhibit various symptoms, all of which include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Depending on the type of ADHD your child has, they may show different symptoms. Some of the more common signs of ADHD include:

• Interrupting
• Fidgeting
• Leaving tasks unfinished
• Lack of focus
• Inability to follow instructions
• Forgetfulness
• Inability to stay organized
• Ignoring or putting off tasks
• Trouble keeping their emotions in check
• Lack of empathy

Diagnosing ADHD
An ADHD diagnosis is not based on one definitive test. Instead, your doctor takes many aspects of your child’s life into account and looks at the big picture of their behavior and development. They will gather information from caregivers, schools, parents, and teachers and combine it to gain a comprehensive understanding of your child’s symptoms. In addition to assessing your child’s symptoms, the doctor will perform a full physical examination including vision and hearing tests.

Treating ADHD
Treating ADHD depends on the type and severity of the condition. Often, treatment is a combination of both medication to decrease hyperactivity/increase focus and behavioral therapy to help them learn to manage triggers and symptoms. Working with your child’s doctor is the best way to ensure that your child has the best treatment plan possible.

For more information on childhood ADHD or managing its symptoms, please contact Dr. Suzanne Davis, Dr. Steven Rodrigues, Dr. Marisa Rosales, and Dr. Rachel Johnston at ABC Pediatrics in McKinney, TX. Call (972) 569-9904 to schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician today!

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorder. The pediatricians at ABC Pediatrics in McKinney, TX, offer a number of diagnostic and management options for ADHD.

Frequently Asked Questions About Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Q: Is ADHD a form of Autism?

A: Although ADHD and some autism spectrum disorders have common symptoms that commonly overlap, ADHD is not part of the autism spectrum.

Q: What is the Difference Between ADHD and ADD?

A: ADD and ADHD are broad terms that describe symptoms and behaviors that break down into a few types of ADHD depending on the individual child's situation according to the CDC:

• Predominantly Inattentive Presentation (difficulty paying attention, following instructions, and finishing tasks)
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation (fidgeting, restlessness, difficulting sitting still for long periods of time, issues with impulse control
• Combined Presentation (symptoms from both groups

ADD and ADHD are sometimes used interchangeably, but ADD is more in line with the predominantly inattentive subtype of ADHD in children that do not exhibit hyperactivity.

Q: What Causes ADHD?

A: Scientists are currently conducting research into definitive causes of ADHD. In addition to a genetic link, there are a few factors believe to contribute to or increase the risk of ADHD in children such as:

• Environmental factors like lead poisoning
• Premature birth/low birth weight

Q: What are the Symptoms of ADHD?

A: The most common symptoms include:

• Constant squirming, fidgeting, and inability to sit still
• Behavioral problems
• Impulse control
• Talking over others, interrupting
• Difficulty focusing or following instructions and completing tasks
• Forgetting or misplacing things
• Difficulty concentrating

Q: Is There a Cure for ADHD?

A: While there is no cure at the moment, there are a number of methods available to help manage and regulate symptoms.

Q: How is ADHD Treated?

A: ADHD treatment varies depending on the type and on a case by case basis depending on the child. Common treatment methods include medication and behavioral therapy. Your pediatrician may also recommend lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise.

ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment in McKinney, TX

To learn more about ADHD symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment options, contact ABC Pediatrics by calling (972) 569-9904 to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician today.

 If your child’s attention seems to be causing issues, discover some of the telltale signs of ADHD.

ADHD has been given a lot more attention over the recent years, most likely because we’ve seen an increase in the number of children with this attention disorder. In fact, according to the CDC, about 6.4 million children between the ages of four and 17 years old have been diagnosed with ADHD as of 2011. So, what exactly is ADHD and when should your child visit their McKinney, TX pediatrician for an evaluation?

While there are certainly moments when kids seem like they have a ton of energy, don’t want to sit still or don’t always listen to what we say, there are certain signs that your child may actually be dealing with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In most cases, these symptoms will begin to manifest before your child is seven years old. Common signs include:

Being inattentive: Your child’s teacher may have already noticed that your little one has a lot of trouble focusing. Your child may become easily distracted by other things around them and may lack concentration. It may sometimes seem as if your child isn’t even listening to you.

Because of their inattentiveness, they may have trouble with organization or finishing assignments. They may forget instructions given to them by a teacher or parent. A child with ADHD will often forget things like homework or lose things more often.

Being hyperactive: Another obvious sign that your child may suffer from ADHD is being extremely hyperactive. This often means that your child can’t sit still. They need to move around or fidget. It’s challenging for them to sit in their seat for any period of time. They may have trouble being quiet and instead they may talk your ear off or feel the need to constantly be moving. You may also find that children who are hyperactive also are more likely to display a temper.

Being impulsive: While we know that children are often testing the waters of what they should and shouldn’t do, a child that truly has ADHD will often act out without thinking about their actions first. They may not be able to wait their turn and they may often interrupt what you or others are saying. Children with impulsivity may also be more likely to have temper tantrums or show sudden angry outbursts.

When to see your McKinney, TX pediatrician?

Children exhibit a lot of these symptoms at some point, so visiting your children’s doctor isn’t always necessary, but if your little one is displaying a variety of these symptoms more often than not and it’s affecting their school, home or personal life then it’s time to call us.

If your child is displaying any of the signs of ADHD, it’s never a bad idea to bring your child in for a full medical evaluation. If their lack of concentration and attention is affecting their personal and school lives, it’s time to call your McKinney, TX pediatrician to schedule an appointment.