We all know kids who can’t sit still, who never seem to listen, who blurt out inappropriate comments, or don’t follow instructions no matter how clearly you present them.

While it’s normal for kids to forget their homework, daydream during class, or act without thinking, inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity are also signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. ADHD makes it difficult for a person to inhibit their spontaneous responses, including everything from movement to speech to assertiveness.

Some children with ADHD may be constantly in motion, bouncing off the walls and disrupting others around them. Other children with ADHD may sit quietly, with their attention miles away.

There are three primary characteristics of ADHD: Inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, though all three aren’t always prominent in one child.

Children with ADHD may:

• Have trouble staying focused or get easily distracted
• Appear not to be listening when spoken to
• Constantly fidget and squirm
• Talk excessively
• Act without thinking
• Interrupt often, or say the wrong thing at the wrong time
• Have a quick temper or “short fuse”

Whether or not your child’s symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are due to ADHD, they can cause problems if left untreated. Children who can’t focus or control themselves or get into trouble at school often find it hard to make friends. These frustrations can later lead to low self-esteem as well as friction for the whole family.

Treatment can make a dramatic difference in your child’s symptoms. With the right support, your child can get on track for success in all areas of life.

If you’re interested in learning more about ADHD therapy, contact me today for a free consultation. I would be happy to share how I can help your child achieve success and grow.

Autism

Are you worried your son or daughter may have autism?

Does your child avoid eye contact or not respond when spoken to?

Has your son or daughter exhibited signs of repetition or obsession?

Autism awareness is at an all-time high, widely discussed by the medical community, media outlets, concerned parents, and society in general. While autism may appear to be more widespread today than decades ago, experts believe the increase in diagnoses is due to greater awareness of autism and its signs and symptoms.

Autism is a neurobehavioral disorder with four distinct autism diagnoses, all, enveloping a spectrum of symptoms and impairments that range in severity. Autism is characterized by difficulty in communicating and interacting with others, and obsessive or repetitive behavior. Depending on how a child is communicating and interacting, autism diagnoses can start as young as two years old. It's also not uncommon for adults to seek diagnosis if they notice symptoms in themselves or their children.

A licensed clinician can help with an evaluation and assist with providing your child with strategies to best manage the symptoms and embrace the strengths that autism can provide.

We recommend speaking with our office if you’ve noticed any of the following behavioral trends in your child:

• Inability to maintain eye contact, or failure to respond when spoken to or called by name
• Rigid rules or routines
• Isolation or avoiding social interaction
• Repetitive or obsessive behavior, such as lining up objects or only performing tasks in a particular order
• Involuntary or excessive behaviors such as blinking, rocking, hand flapping, or finger flicking

A diagnosis of autism can help your child find solutions to symptoms that are interfering with their daily life. Autism can make it difficult for them to interact socially, both with verbal and nonverbal communication. Trouble making eye contact or involuntary noises can also cause problems at home, at school, or with peers.

Autism can make it difficult for your child to make or maintain friendships, or to get along with family members. When they mature, it can be harder for them to have intimate relationships. They may also develop repetitive, obsessive, or ritualistic behaviors that interfere with their daily life.

Therapy and some medications are available to help manage and control these behaviors. A licensed therapist can help address compulsions or a lack of social skills, as well as teach coping methods for anxiety.

If you're concerned your child may be exhibiting signs of autism, a pediatrician, licensed child neurologist, or psychologist can assess and evaluate your child. Once diagnosed, a therapist can help them better manage their symptoms.