ADD Help: Where to Get Help for ADHD

Do you suspect your child may have ADD or ADHD but don't know where to go for ADD help? Only a health care professional, trained in evaluating children for ADHD, can evaluate and diagnose your child. Why? It is normal for children to have trouble sitting still in situations they find boring. In school, they may talk excessively, fidget, squirm, and fail to complete homework assignments on many occasions. A qualified clinical professional can determine if your child's problems with focus, attention, and appropriate social behavior are normal, due to ADHD symptoms, or caused by other neurological and psychological conditions.

Pediatrician – The First Step Toward ADHD Help

Take the first step toward ADHD help by talking to a physician. Many parents first talk to their child's pediatrician about their concerns. Describe your child's behavior to his pediatrician. By asking a few questions, the doctor can determine if ADHD could be the cause. He will look for other factors that could cause the undesirable behavior; things such as divorce, a death in the family, or other major life changes can temporarily cause your child to exhibit undesirable behaviors that mimic behaviors associated with ADD/ADHD. The doctor will also conduct a thorough physical exam to ensure your child does not have other diseases or mental health disorders that could cause negative behavior.

Some pediatricians treat children with ADHD in their offices, others refer them to a mental health professional, such as a pediatric psychiatrist, who provides the ADD, ADHD help.

Teachers – The Next Step Toward ADD Help

Take the next step toward ADD help for your child by discussing the disorder with his teachers. Your pediatrician or pediatric mental health professional may have already talked to your child's teachers about his behavior during the process. Tell the teachers that your child's health care provider confirmed the ADHD diagnosis. Report any prescribed ADHD medications your child takes to the teachers and school nurse. You may want to speak to the school guidance counselor as well to ensure your child has all the possible support he needs.

Cooperation – The Final Step Toward ADHD Help

Take the final step toward ADHD help for your child by teaming up with your child's doctor, teachers, and other family members. Work together to create goals and come up with practical ways to reach those goals. Parents can help their child by helping him create lists of tasks and homework assignments. He can check off each item as he completes it. This will build confidence and self-esteem. Designate a certain space and time for homework. Sit with your child during homework time to answer questions, offer help, and praise him for work well done.

Get help for ADHD. Your child deserves to have all the tools he needs to succeed in school, socially, and his adult professional life. Talk to your pediatrician or family doctor today.

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