Does My Child Have ADHD?

Could your child’s daydreaming and inattentive behavior be normal or could they have ADHD?

Does your child seem off in the clouds most of the time? Have your child’s teachers told you that your child has trouble concentrating or is often disruptive in class? If so, then you may be wondering if it’s time to visit our Downers Grove and Bolingbrook, IL, pediatricians. Could your child have ADHD or could their behaviors just be a normal part of growing up?

Could my child have ADHD?

It’s very important to understand that only a qualified children’s doctor in Downers Grove and Bolingbrook will be able to tell you that your child has ADHD; however, there are certain ways to determine whether the behaviors your child is exhibiting are serious or disruptive enough to warrant a proper medical evaluation.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

Q. Does my child have trouble staying focused (whether on homework, chores, etc.)?

Q. Does my child jump to a new task before finishing an old one?

Q. Does my child often make careless mistakes?

Q. Does my child regularly misplace or lose things like homework, toys, books, etc?

Q. Does my child often seem like they aren’t listening when spoken to?

Q. Does my child often seem disorganized?

Q. Does my child fidget or have trouble sitting still?

Q. Does my child disrupt others or me during conversation?

Q. Does my child seem rambunctious and unable to stop talking?

Q. Does my child often blurt out answers or disrupt the classroom?

If you answered “yes” to the majority of these questions then it may be time to schedule an ADHD evaluation with us. Remember, a lot of these behaviors and habits are a normal part of childhood; however, if this is happening frequently and affecting your child’s academic, social and/or home life then you should schedule an evaluation with a pediatrician.

How is ADHD treated?

Most people assume that doctors are keen to just prescribe medication to handle ADHD but there is more to it than that. Successful ADHD treatment often requires a combination of medication and behavioral therapy along with the full cooperation of family and school to ensure that they are getting the proper and individualized care they need to meet their unique needs.

Medication can be a great way to improve concentration and focus, which in turn can improve their academic performance; however, medication is not a cure all and every child will respond differently to ADHD medications. We will work with you and your little one to determine which medication is right for them.

Of course, therapy in conjunction with medication is the most effective solution for managing ADHD symptoms. Behavioral therapy is a great way to reinforce positive behaviors. By setting and sticking to a specific rewards-and-consequences system we often see a great improvement in children’s day-to-day lives and behaviors.

If you are a parent in Bolingbrook or Downers Grove, IL, whose child is displaying symptoms of ADHD then it’s time to call Downers Grove Pediatrics. We can help you get to the bottom of your child’s symptoms.