Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in Children Westfield & Wall Township
Treatment and Therapy to Help Young Minds Stay Focused
Did you know that about 1 in 9 U.S. children have received an ADHD diagnosis? Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is also sometimes known as attention deficit disorder (ADD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in kids. If your child has been diagnosed with it, or you suspect they have it, it can have a big impact on your family. Fortunately, our team in Westfield and Wall Township offers treatments and therapies that can help. Contact us today to learn more or request an appointment for your child
What Is Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)?
Attention deficit disorder is no longer an official medical diagnosis. Although the term ADD is still used in casual speech, all forms of this disorder are now classified as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
ADHD can manifest itself in different ways. In kids, it often comes with trouble focusing, hyperactivity, and difficulty with impulse control. Although ADHD is a lifelong disorder, it can be successfully managed, especially when kids learn from an early age how to manage their symptoms.
Symptoms & Diagnosing ADHD in Children
All kids can be hyper and impulsive at times, and they all struggle to pay attention on occasion. However, ADHD goes beyond that. Children with this condition persistently display such behaviors.
There are three different types of ADHD, and they come with different symptoms:
- Inattentive type: Your child may struggle to focus on details, make careless mistakes, and easily become distracted. They may also often lose track of items and find it difficult to follow directions.
- Hyperactive-impulsive type: Kids with this type of ADHD find it challenging to sit still. They might also talk excessively and be impatient.
- Combined type: Children with combined ADHD show signs of both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types of the disorder.
Signs and symptoms of ADHD can show up when a child is still very young, but it cannot typically be diagnosed until they reach age 4. Also, keep in mind that there are no surefire medical tests to diagnose ADHD. Diagnosing it relies on symptom evaluation and clinical interviews by a qualified professional.
Treatment Options for Childhood ADHD
While ADHD comes with challenges, both parents and kids can enjoy a better quality of life through targeted treatment. Often, our psychiatric team recommends a form of talk therapy, such as CBT, which can help kids learn how to control both their thoughts and the resulting actions. CBT may work best in combination with medications that boost levels of certain key neurotransmitters.
It might take a bit of time and trial and error before your child is able to consistently keep their symptoms under control. Our team wants to support you through this journey so your precious young one can reach their potential.
