ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders—meaning it affects the development and function of the brain — of childhood. It involves one or more of the following symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. Many children have some mild difficulties in these areas from time to time, but children with ADHD have persistent struggles across multiple settings, such as at home, at school, at work, and with family and friends.
If you have concerns that your child may have ADHD, please contact our office to schedule a 30-minute consultation. At this appointment, we will review your concerns, your child’s symptoms and medical history, and perform an exam. It is important to rule out other possible causes of your child’s symptoms, such as learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, sleeping issues – such as obstructive sleep apnea – and vision and hearing impairments.
Prior to this appointment, we will need Vanderbilt forms completed by parents and teachers. Vanderbilt Assessment Scales are validated tools used to diagnose ADHD. It would be best if these completed forms (from parents and teachers) are sent to us at least 5 days prior to the appointment so that we have time to review them.
If the diagnosis is not clear cut or if there are concerns for learning disabilities, we may ask that your child see a psychologist for full psychoeducational testing. Sometimes schools can do this testing as well.
If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, we will review treatment options with you. Options include behavioral therapy, lifestyle modifications, skills training, and medication. Additionally, accommodations at school by making changes to the learning environment can also be enacted through a 504 plan.
Ongoing Medication Management
If medications are needed, there are stimulants and non-stimulants available. Medications can be very helpful for patients with symptoms significant enough to cause impairment in daily aspects of life. It is worth noting that it can take some time to find the right medication and right dose. We also have to work under the constraints of finding a medication that is covered by the patient’s insurance company. After starting a medication, there will be a follow-up appointment 1 month later. While working to find the right regimen, follow-up appointments thereafter will be every 1-3 months. Once the patient is stable and doing well, follow-up appointments will be every 3-6 months. Annual physical exams/Well Child Checks are also required to continue receiving medication. Additionally, whenever there is a gap of more than 120 days between medication refills, your child will need to be seen again in the office followed by another appointment 1 month later.
Please request refills at least 2 business days in advance to ensure your child receives the medication without missing any doses.
Since stimulants are considered controlled substances, pharmacies cannot accept refill requests by phone. Typically, refills are sent electronically. Controlled substances can only be refilled if your child is current with medication follow-ups and well child checks.
ADHD Diagnostic/Evaluation Forms
- Vanderbilt Assessment Forms For Parents (for ages 5-13 years) NICHQVanderbiltParent
- Vanderbilt Assessment Forms For Teachers (for ages 5-13 years) Vanderbilt_Scale_Teacher.pdf
ADHD Resources
- About ADHD – Handout from the CDC
- Helpful Information for Parents about ADHD Medications
- Internet Resources
