ADHD is a common issue that affected approximately 11.3 percent of children between the ages of 15 and 17 between 2020 and 2022, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The pediatricians at Pediatric Group Associates, serving Moline, IL, and the nearby region, recognize this as a growing problem. We are here to help parents get their kids the help they need for this condition.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It's a condition that causes a child to act impulsively and have trouble paying attention. The child may have difficulty staying on task and organized. The child may seem defiant, but they aren't. They have a neurological disorder that's interfering.
Signs Your Child May Have It
The signs of ADHD vary from child to child. Girls are less likely to exhibit hyperactivity. They, instead, may suffer from inattentiveness more often, and they're more likely to daydream. Boys, on the other hand, are more likely to be impulsive and hyperactive.
In general, though, these are some signs to look out for:
- Overlook or miss details
- Make careless mistakes
- Has trouble listening when spoken directly to
- Has trouble focusing on tasks that require attentiveness for long periods, i.e. reading or schoolwork
- Experiences difficulty following directions
- Avoids tasks that require attentiveness
- Has trouble staying organized
- Has trouble finishing a task
- Loses things frequently
- Is forgetful
How We Help
We encourage parents to bring their child to our Moline, IL, office if they're experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms or others that could indicate a potential ADHD diagnosis.
Your child will then undergo an assessment for the condition. We'll ask you questions about their school performance and any behavioral issues you're experiencing. If your child is old enough, we'll ask them these questions. Based on our findings, we may determine your child has ADHD.
Fortunately, there are treatment options to help your child stay on task, improve their school performance, be more responsible, and improve their behavior.
For instance, we can educate you on ways you can help your child remain focused, such as by breaking down larger tasks into smaller pieces. When it comes to remembering, it may be easier for them to set reminder timers. Sometimes, more extensive cognitive therapy can help.
In the more extreme cases, medication may be your best option.
The pediatricians at Pediatric Group Associates, serving Moline, IL, and the surrounding vicinity can diagnose a potential ADHD case and provide the necessary treatment to help parents and children. We understand the toll this condition can take and are happy to assist.
