Nearly 10% of children in the United States are diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). If your child has difficulty focusing or paying attention paired with problems sitting still, they may have ADHD. The team of expert pediatricians at Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics in Atlanta, Georgia, have over 30 years of experience treating ADHD and closely monitoring the results to help your child succeed in school and relationships. Schedule an appointment over the phone or use the online booking tool today.
ADHD is the abbreviation for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which is a chronic condition that affects a large number of children and adults. It’s characterized by a combination of difficulty paying attention, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. Sometimes ADHD symptoms improve with age. Treatment can help your child focus better, pay attention, and control impulsive behavior.
The following signs and symptoms may indicate your child has ADHD:
Children with ADHD may struggle with their grades, get in trouble at school, have difficulty with relationships, or suffer from low self-esteem.
The cause of ADHD isn’t entirely clear. Your child’s risk of developing it is higher if they have blood relatives with ADHD or history of maternal alcohol, smoking, or drug use. Their risk may also be higher if they had a premature birth or were exposed to environmental toxins.
The experts at Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics have three decades of experience diagnosing and treating ADHD in children. They review your child’s medical history and symptoms and complete an exam.
Your pediatrician asks specific questions about your child’s behavior and may have you fill out a questionnaire to help them make a diagnosis. If your child’s symptoms are significant enough to create problems at school or home on an ongoing basis, your doctor might recommend treatment.
Your Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics practitioner lets you know which ADHD treatment best matches your child’s personalized needs. They might recommend:
Taking certain medications can reduce ADHD symptoms and help your child focus better at school. Your doctor lets you know which medicine is right for your child and reviews the risks and benefits.
Behavioral therapy with a specialist can help your child learn coping strategies and social skills training. As a parent, you may learn strategies to help your child change their behaviors, such as a reward system.
If your child struggles in school or with relationships because of ADHD, solutions are available at Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics. Schedule an appointment over the phone or online today.