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Behavioral Medicine

AGC Pediatrics offers comprehensive treatment for developmental and Behavioral Medicine disorders, including ADD/ADHD.

If you suspect that your child suffers from attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, or any other behavioral difficulties, contact us to schedule an initial consultation with one of our healthcare providers.

Our team specializes in the treatment or neurobehavioral disorders like ADD and ADHD, and offers support for both parents and children. Find out why your child needs an ADD-specific doctor, and how to choose the best one.

Before your child begins treatment for ADD/ADHD or any other behavioral concerns at AGC Pediatrics, schedule your initial consultation and review AGC Pediatrics’ policies regarding ADD/ADHD treatment and medication.

FAQs

Because many of the behaviors associated with ADD/ADHD, such as inattentiveness, poor memory, and impulsivity, are common behaviors observed in children, it can be difficult to determine whether your child has this neurological condition. To make matters worse, there are many myths about ADHD that pass as common knowledge. In some cases, a child with ADHD doesn’t always act out. Some children with ADD or ADHD do display signs of hyperactivity, but many others are simply quiet and inattentive.

The three defining characteristics of ADD/ADHD are inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsivity- Behavioral Medicine. 

A child who is inattentive will:

  • Not pay attention to details.
  • Become bored with tasks before finishing them.
  • Be easily distracted.
  • Have difficulty remembering things.
  • Have difficulty following instructions.

A child who is hyperactive will:

  • Fidget constantly.
  • Have difficulty sitting quietly.
  • Talk excessively.
  • Have a quick temper.
  • Move around constantly.

A child who is impulsive will:

  • Act without thinking.
  • Interrupt others.
  • Have trouble waiting in a line.
  • Have temper tantrums and outbursts.
  • Have difficulty completing detail-oriented tasks.

There is no one defining symptom for determining whether a child has Attention Deficit Disorder. Many factors may play a role, including learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, and underlying medical conditions. Only a medical professional can properly diagnose ADD/ADHD.

Because many other factors be at play, your pediatrician will need to use the following diagnostic tools to determine if your child has ADD/ADHD:

  • Comprehensive checklist of symptoms
  • Medical and behavioral history of your child
  • Full medical examination

Every case of ADD/ADHD looks a little different. In order for a pediatrician or behavioral specialist to diagnose your child with the disorder, the following requirements must be met.

  1. Severity. Your child’s ADD/ADHD symptoms must have a negative impact on your child’s daily activities.
  2. Duration. ADD/ADHD cannot be diagnosed with certainty unless the symptoms have lasted for 6 months or more.
  3. Environment. ADD/ADHD symptoms present themselves in multiple environments, such as school, work, or home. If your child only displays these symptoms in one setting, then ADD/ADHD is probably not the cause.

As the parent of a child with ADD or ADHD, you can:

  • Provide your child with consistency, structure, communication, and clear behavioral rules based on concrete rewards and consequences.
  • Allow your child to get plenty of exercise and make sure that he or she remains on a healthy diet.
  • Show your child unconditional love, support and encouragement for good Behavioral Medicine.

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