Understanding Child & Adolescent ADHD

We understand how hard it is to watch your child, teen, or college student struggle to concentrate, stay organized or manage their impulses. This informational page aims to provide valuable insights into ADHD, its symptoms, treatments, and available resources.

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, disorganization, and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning and development. It can impact a child or adolescent’s academic performance, social interactions, and overall well-being.

ADHD Types & Symptoms

According to the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) can be categorized into three subtypes based on the predominant symptoms present. Symptoms of ADHD vary from child to child but often include: 

Inattentive type:

  • Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities

  • Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes

  • Frequently has trouble organizing tasks and activities

  • Frequently loses necessary items for tasks

  • Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli

  • Frequently forgetful in daily activities

  • often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort

  • often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly

    Hyperactive-Impulsive type:

  • Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat

  • Often leaves seat in situations where remaining seated is expected

  • Often runs about or climbs in inappropriate situations

  • Often unable to play or engage in activities quietly

  • Often talks excessively

  • Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”

  • Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed

  • Often has difficulty waiting their turn

  • Often interrupts or intrudes on others

    Combined Type:

  • Individuals with this subtype display both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms and were present for the last 6 months.

  • Symptoms may include a combination of the characteristics described above for both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types.

ADHD Testing & Diagnosis

ADHD is diagnosed based on a thorough evaluation conducted by a qualified healthcare professional such as psychologists and pediatricians. With ADHD being a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, an accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

Pediatricians and neurologists can provide diagnosis. Psychologists often provide the most comprehensive evaluation of ADHD given their advanced training in assessment and diagnosis. Comprehensive testing minimizes the risk of misdiagnosis. This allows the psychologist to develop a tailored treatment plan that suits the child's specific needs.

ADHD evaluations should encompass a wide range of assessments including interviews with parents, teachers, and the child themselves, behavioral observations, cognitive testing at times, and standardized symptom rating scales.

General Treatment of ADHD:

Behavioral Therapy:

Behavior therapy for ADHD helps children develop coping strategies, organizational skills, and emotional regulation techniques. Parent training is a necessary component of ADHD treatment. When parents become trained in behavior therapy, they learn skills and strategies to help their child with ADHD succeed at school, at home, and in relationships.

Medication:

Medication can assist children in effectively managing their ADHD symptoms, enabling them to regulate behaviors that may otherwise pose challenges within family, social, and academic environments.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy:

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based treatment for ADHD for children between 2-7 years old. PCIT works by empowering parents to improve a child’s behavior through methods that rely on the parent-child relationship.

Educational Interventions:

Tailored educational plans, accommodations, and support services can assist children in managing academic challenges associated with ADHD. 

Available Resources

Understanding and managing ADHD in children and adolescents involves a collaborative effort between parents, educators, and healthcare professionals. By providing appropriate support, interventions, and access to resources, children and adolescents with ADHD can thrive and reach their full potential.

At Tampa Pediatric Psychology, we offer ADHD evaluations, parent training for children and adolescents with ADHD, parent workshops, individual therapy for adolescents specializing in ADHD, and ADHD and executive functioning coaching to high school and college students.

If you're seeking effective treatment and guidance and are interested in any of our ADHD related services, don't hesitate to reach out to our team of licensed child psychologists today. Tampa Pediatric Psychology is ready to support you and your family in any way we can.