What is ADHD/Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children and adults. While no child with ADHD will show symptoms in the same way, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines the following symptoms:
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ADHD Can Be a Strength
There is a growing body of evidence that ADHD can be a strength with the proper diagnosis and treatment. People with ADHD tend to be creative thinkers and can give lots of energy and focus on subjects that hold their interest.
What Can Parents Do?
ADHD is diagnosed by several types of professionals, including psychologists, neuropsychologists, and developmental pediatricians. This process should be done in coordination with your child’s doctor and teachers.
A key output of a diagnostic evaluation is a treatment plan. Treatment for ADHD includes pharmacological interventions (medication) to treat the neurological impacts of ADHD, and behavioral interventions, which provide children with strategies to manage their symptoms at home and school.
You also will need to work with your child’s school to ensure that they get accommodations and services they need. A 504 Plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) are the legal documents that outline this information, and you will need to follow the school’s eligibility process if you believe your child needs one of these plans. Additional information about this process:
ADHD is diagnosed by several types of professionals, including psychologists, neuropsychologists, and developmental pediatricians. This process should be done in coordination with your child’s doctor and teachers.
A key output of a diagnostic evaluation is a treatment plan. Treatment for ADHD includes pharmacological interventions (medication) to treat the neurological impacts of ADHD, and behavioral interventions, which provide children with strategies to manage their symptoms at home and school.
You also will need to work with your child’s school to ensure that they get accommodations and services they need. A 504 Plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) are the legal documents that outline this information, and you will need to follow the school’s eligibility process if you believe your child needs one of these plans. Additional information about this process:
- For more information about evaluations and about the IEP eligibility process, go to the LexSEPAC/SEPTA website (Lexington Special Education Parent Advisory Council/Special Education PTA)
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