ADHD Testing in Raeford & Fayetteville, NC

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, more commonly known as ADHD, is a brain disorder that can affect children differently. If left untreated, this issue can cause a child to be restless, misbehave, and prevent him or her from learning in school. At Kids First Pediatrics of Raeford, our board-certified behavioral health specialists are dedicated to helping you discover the best plan to manage your child’s ADHD symptoms. We will take the time to get to know your child and answer any questions you may have about ADHD. For more information, contact our pediatric clinic at (910) 848-5437 today!

What are the Symptoms of ADHD?

Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulse control are not symptoms that are exclusive to children with ADHD, but the symptoms tend to be more pronounced in those who are affected. Although ADHD affects everyone differently, the following behaviors are the most commonly observed issues:

Inattention

ADHD can cause a child to have difficulty paying attention. Inattentive children tend to be disorganized and may give up on tasks easily. Many parents mistake these behaviors as simply misbehaving, but in children with ADHD, they are not making an intentional choice to behave this way.

Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity causes a child to feel the need to move or fidget, even in situations where it may not be appropriate. If you notice that your child frequently taps his or her fingers, rapidly moves his or her legs when sitting, or simply talks an above-average amount, ADHD may be causing this behavior.

Impulse Control

Children with ADHD may struggle with impulsivity, which can manifest in a variety of ways, such as: Acting without thinking, and the two we have mentioned above hyperactivity and inattention.

Typically, even children without ADHD need to learn impulse control over time. But, if your child doesn’t seem to “grow out of” the pattern of making decisions without thinking or interrupting others, the disorder could be the cause.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

Diagnosing ADHD in kids under 4 can be tough because young children change quickly. It’s also harder to diagnose ADHD in teenagers.

There isn’t one test for ADHD. It involves many steps and gathering lots of information from different sources, like you, your child, their school, and others who care for them.

Kids with ADHD show signs of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in specific ways.

What Causes ADHD?

Over the years, there has been a lot of misinformation about the causes of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. Researchers used to believe that ADHD could be the result of brain damage, head injuries, or even the ingestion of too much refined sugar. All of these theories have been disproven.

Simply put, ADHD is caused by chemical and structural dysfunctions in the brain that are the result of genetics. Pathways in the brain and neurotransmitters that regulate dopamine and norepinephrine are different in those with ADHD than those without.

How is ADHD Managed?

There are several options for treating a child with ADHD. With appropriate care, a child can manage symptoms and can begin to better focus in school and at home. Common treatment options include:

• Therapy to help a child learn to manage his or her symptoms.
• Parent training to help create an environment that will allow their child to thrive.
• Medication to decrease severe symptoms.
• School intervention to make teachers aware of any necessary accommodations.