ADHD
(Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition impairing a student’s ability to concentrate and focus on tasks, making school work extremely challenging.
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Find out how girls exhibit ADHD differently from boys and why they often slip through the cracks!
See below for more information about ADHD
Testing for ADHD Tampa
Testing for ADHD Miami
Testing for ADHD Orlando
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder : The Signs
Perhaps you have noticed your child avoids school work, has trouble following multi-step instructions, is easily distracted by exterior stimuli or “zones out”, is disorganized and misplaces things all the time. Other children can be extremely disruptive and impulsive, often getting into trouble in school and even at home. ADD can also affect adults. Research has suggested that about 30% of children with ADHD have other learning problems such as dyslexia or mathematical disorder. In addition, girls exhibit ADHD differently from boys, making them harder to diagnose often slipping through the cracks, see why. If you have questions give us a call (813)468-6528. We are happy to help.
Treatment
Treatment for ADHD may include behavior modification techniques and in some cases medication. Although ADHD medication can certainly be the most effective form of treatment in severe cases of inattention and impulsiveness, the overuse of medication has become a problem in the medical community. Both parents and doctors are becoming increasingly quick to blame behavioral and social problems on ADHD and utilize medication to fix the situation. The problem with this, warn some doctors, is that by being so quick to prescribe drugs to correct this condition, is that they might be overlooking other possible causes for problem behavior. With the alarming increase in ADHD cases, it is no surprise that many question the validity of such diagnoses. For this reason it is crucial that parents ensure proper testing as described above. (See Why You Should NOT use Behavior Scales to Diagnose ADHD). Our report will include a lengthy section on recommendations, treatment and follow up services for students with an ADHD diagnosis. Students diagnosed with ADD/ADHD can qualify for an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or Section 504 Plan which enables these students to obtain accommodations (i.e. extra time allowance for exams), supports and services in school or college. Read more about classroom accommodations
Testing for ADD or ADHD
Although to this day, there is no single or specific set of tests to confirm or rule out ADD or ADHD, mental health professionals across the board conclude that a reliable assessment should include the following: an IQ test, an achievement test, behavioral observations in multiple settings (at least 2) and in some rare cases, a neurological or physical test. Most mental health professionals begin with an IQ test. Child-Testing uses The Wechsler Intelligence Scales to rule out any cognitive deficits that may be impairing the student’s academic functioning and behavior. As it relates to ADHD, we pay close attention to WORKING MEMORY INDEX (WMI) and PROCESSING SPEED INDEX (PSI) scores, important elements of executive function. It has been reported that 89-98 percent of students with ADHD have deficits in executive skills. We look closely at the student’s ability to sustain attention, concentrate, and exert mental control. We also look closely at the student’s ability in processing simple or routine visual material without making errors. Furthermore, in many ADHD students, as much as 60-65%, have problems with written expression and math. To assess these areas, a psycho-educational test is usually administered.
In addition to these tests, the clinician can make behavioral observations in the child’s own natural setting at home and ask questions about the child’s behavior at school to help make a proper diagnosis. Read more about our diagnostic process. Child-Testing serves all Florida counties and cities, including: the entire Tampa Bay area, Orlando, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Panama City, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm, Boca Raton and many more. Please call (813) 468-6528 for more information.
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