At BYP Kids, Dr. Marc Connery and his dedicated team are here for you when you need a pediatrician in Hobart, IN. We can help diagnose and treat your child whether they are having physical or behavioral problems. If you think your child could be suffering from ADHD, keep reading about common signs and come in for a screening test.
Most kids have trouble staying on task sometimes, so when is it something more? ADHD, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, affects your child's ability to focus on tasks and activities. ADHD has three main symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattentiveness. Every child is different and you do not need to display all three in order to have ADHD, but typical symptoms of children with ADHD include the following:
- Impulsive
- Hyperactive
- Easily distracted
- Trouble staying focused or paying attention
- Disrupting classroom activities
- Starts chores or tasks but doesn't finish them
- Disorganized
- Forgetful
- Difficulty sitting still
- Makes careless mistakes
- Doesn't seem to listen
ADHD ends up interfering with school performance and social interactions and affecting your child's entire life.
Should My Child Have a Screening Test?
There is no particular age that a child should be screened for ADHD. Adults can also be diagnosed with ADHD. If your child is exhibiting several symptoms before the age of 12, and you see it affecting school performance and social interactions, you should come in for a screening test.
There is not a physical test or a specific diagnostic test for ADHD. Instead, a screening test for ADHD is more like a thorough interview. Depending on the child's age, an in-depth evaluation of the child's history will involve input from the parent or caregiver and observation of the child's behavior.
There is no cure for ADHD but symptoms can be managed with a combination of medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy. ADHD often occurs with other conditions like anxiety that also benefit from therapy. With appropriate treatment, your child's school and social life can improve with ADHD in Hobart, IN. Contact us at BYP Kids for an appointment with Dr. Marc Connery at (219) 940-9605.