Leading Pediatric Doctor in Delaware Discusses ADHD in Children
Dr. Kerry Kirifides directs Just Kids Pediatrics in Newark, DE. Our doctor provides many childhood health services, such as help with ADHD, school and sports physicals, vaccinations, milestone visits, same-day sick visits, and behavioral help.
Our doctor is here today to discuss with parents what ADHD is, its symptoms, and treatment options.
What is ADHD?
Just Kids Pediatrics in Newark, DE, explains that ADHD is a developmental disorder or condition in which a child is hyperactive and constantly in motion, usually without rhyme or reason.
Symptoms of ADHD
- Inattentive: Difficulty paying attention and inability to focus
- Disorganized: Excess fidgeting
- Little self-control: Talking too much, interrupting others
- Difficulty waiting a turn
- Impulsive: In action and speech
- Affects social relationships
- Affects school and work performance
- Reckless, careless risk-takers
- Overlooks details
- Difficulty finishing work, chores, or assignments
- Trouble meeting deadlines and managing time schedules
- Loses possessions
- Failure to follow through
Your child may display one or all of the above symptoms, and a child can have an attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity disorder.
Next Steps for Parents in Helping Children with Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity Disorder
Call us today! We can diagnose your child’s ADHD and propose a treatment plan. We may recommend that a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, evaluate, diagnose, and treat your child.
This referral may be necessary to ensure that your child’s stress, sleep impairment, anxiety, depression, or other physical conditions do not mimic ADHD.
To ensure proper treatment, a child under 16 must show at least six symptoms, and adults over 16 must display at least five symptoms.
- Chronic, long-term symptoms
- Impaired functioning
- Notable delays in typical development for their age
- Symptoms for at least six months
- Symptoms appearing in two or more settings, like school and home
- Interference with social interactions, school, or work
Treatment Options for ADHD
Treatment may help decrease symptoms and improve functioning. Standard treatment after making a definitive diagnosis includes:
- Medication: Stimulants, non-stimulants, or antidepressants
- Psychotherapy
- Behavioral therapy
- Cognitive therapy
- Social skills training
- Family therapy and parenting skills training
- School-based programs, classroom interventions, 504 plans, academic accommodations
- Therapy sessions with or without parents
- Stress management and support groups
- Neurofeedback
A Pediatric Doctor Offers Consistency in Child Healthcare
If you need help with your child’s behaviors and suspect your child has ADHD, please call Dr. Kerry Kirifides at 302-918-6400 at Just Kids Pediatrics in Newark, DE, to schedule your child’s behavioral assessment and explore available treatment options.
If you need a top-notch pediatric doctor and staff, please call us today to schedule your child’s initial appointment. We are eager for you to join our family and begin this healthcare journey with you and your child.
- Therapy sessions with or without parents
- Stress management
- Support groups
- Neurofeedback
A Pediatric Doctor Offers Consistency in Child Healthcare
If you need help with your child’s behaviors and suspect your child has ADHD, please call Dr. Shastry at 302-918-6400 at Just Kids Pediatrics in Newark, DE, to schedule your child’s behavioral assessment and treatment options available.
If you need a top-notch pediatric doctor and staff, please call us today to schedule your child’s initial appointment. We are eager for you to join our family and begin this healthcare journey with you and your child.