ADHD

Fidgeting, chattering, and difficulty staying on task are normal childhood behaviors, but may also signal an underlying challenge. One of the more common diagnoses today is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Still, since many other conditions display the same symptoms, it’s important to work with a pediatrician with experience in child psychology. Pediatric Medical Associates, located in Folsom and Sacramento, California, is a team of board-certified pediatricians with extensive experience in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Call now or schedule an appointment online to get your child the help they need.

Does my child have ADHD?

Having trouble at school and a hard time with attention and focus doesn’t automatically mean your child has ADHD. There are strict DSM-UV criteria for diagnosis, and the team at Pediatric Medical Associates avoids giving a “shotgun” diagnosis that could lead to prescribing the wrong treatment.

This careful approach is vital because ADHD in very young children looks a lot like developmental or mood disorders, such as autism, seizure disorders, language problems, hearing problems, and sleep disorders. Highly experienced pediatricians can differentiate between ADHD and these similar conditions by picking out defining patterns of inattention and hyperactivity.

The team is committed to working closely with you and your child to gain a deep understanding of your child’s behavior both at home and at school. By creating a warm and friendly environment, your child can communicate more openly and make it easier to spot defining symptoms of ADHD.

How do you manage ADHD?

If the team diagnoses your child with ADHD, the next steps involve treatment and therapy to manage the condition. It’s important that your child’s ADHD treatment causes minimal negative impact on their growth and development. That’s why the team is happy to recommend behavioral therapy and special education services to complement ADHD medication.

The team understands the importance of monitoring the impact of medication on a child’s health and development. ADHD medication, such as amphetamines (Adderall, Dexedrine) and methylphenidates (Ritalin, Focalin), are powerful drugs. Finding what works best for your child and has minimal side effects takes time and close monitoring.

Besides that, Pediatric Medical Associates adopts a team approach that ensures your child has the best possible care at all times. They work closely with specialists such as child psychologists to ensure all-rounded and highly skilled care for your child.

How can I know what to do next?

The team at Pediatric Medical Associates pediatricians will walk with you every step of the way because they understand how tough it can be to care for a child with ADHD. In addition to scheduling regular visits to the clinic, they also keep in touch with you to follow up closely on your child’s progress. 

This willingness to go the extra mile differentiates the team from other pediatricians and allows them to deliver effective ADHD treatment. Book your consultation online, or call the office if you’re worried about your child’s development and progress.