Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, likewise known as ADHD, is a condition marked by specific differences in brain activity and development that negatively impact a child’s self-control, attention, and focus. It could affect children at home, school, and in relationships. If you suspect that your child might have ADHD, consult your pediatrician at ABC Pediatrics in McKinney, TX.

It’s very common for all children to sometimes struggle with sitting still, paying attention, waiting for their turn, or following and listening to instructions. Children with ADHD, however, struggle harder, and usually, all the time.

How Do I Know If My Child Has ADHD?

Children with ADHD typically display signs from at least one, two, or all these categories:

• Hyperactive children are usually easily bored, restless, and fidgety. They might have difficulty staying quiet and sitting still. They might likewise rush through activities, resulting in careless mishaps. Additionally, they might roughhouse, jump around, or climb when they should not. Put simply, they might act in a disruptive manner.
• These are kids who get distracted easily, are inattentive, and have difficulty concentrating, staying on task, and focusing their attention. They might have trouble listening well to instructions, finishing things that they’ve started, and miss crucial details. Likewise, they might appear forgetful or absent-minded, dawdle or daydream too much, and easily lose track of things.
• These are kids who act too quickly before they think and do things. They might have trouble waiting for their turn, grab or push, and interrupt. They might also be too emotional in situations that don’t seem intense to others. Sometimes, they might engage in risky behaviors such as taking stuff that is not theirs and/or without permission.

How Do I Help My Child?

Keep in mind that self-control and focus are not things that you’re born with, as kids usually develop these traits, as they grow older. However, some children might not get better at waiting, listening, focusing, controlling their impulses, or paying attention. When this happens, it will eventually cause issues at home, school, and with relationships.

It might also mean that your child has ADHD and that you should consult with your pediatrician in McKinney, TX, as soon as possible. This way, you can start exploring the most appropriate supports and interventions for your child’s needs. Untreated ADHD could make navigating the world more difficult for your child. In turn, this could result in poor self-esteem, depression, anxiety, defiant and oppositional behavior, relationship conflicts, failure at school, and risky behaviors.

Most importantly, remember that your child will have ADHD for the rest of their life. Contrary to popular belief, you can’t outgrow ADHD—children with ADHD grow up to be adults with ADHD. But with the proper supports and accommodations in place, your child will learn to manage the negative effects and optimize the positive aspects of ADHD and go on to live a happy life, even with ADHD.

For Any Questions and Advice on ADHD, We Can Help

Set an appointment here at ABC Pediatrics in McKinney, TX, by calling (972) 569-9904.

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!