ADHD can be a confusing and frustrating diagnosis for you, the parent, and your child. Founder Dr. Samuel Puckett, and Dr. Jennifer Sauceman of Newport Pediatrics, located in Newport, TN, can answer any questions regarding this diagnosis and your child's wellness.
What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common neurologic conditions in children. It is characterized by the inability to focus on an activity or remain still enough to finish an activity.
This condition can also cause children to have uncontrolled impulsive behavior with no thought as to the result of their actions.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can present in three different ways. A child could have the disorder with an inattentive presentation in which the child cannot focus for an extended time. The child will switch from activity to activity without finishing an activity. They will need prompting to finish what they are doing.
Your child may also experience hyperpresentation. They fidget, talk a lot, or talk super fast. Your child may present difficulty sitting still for a task such as schoolwork. The child may find it difficult to sit still to eat a meal. They may act on impulse (grabbing items or people without consent, speaking out of turn, and interrupting the conversation) behavior without conscious thought of their actions until someone points them out. These children may get hurt more than usual due to impulsive behavior. Children can get a third type, a mix between the two types of disorder.
Signs and Symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder
Signs and symptoms of ADHD, according to Newport Pediatrics located in Newport, TN, include these items. Your child may not exhibit all of these.
- Difficult to resist temptation
- Difficulty getting along with others
- Makes unnecessary or impulsive mistakes
- Fidgeting or squirming
- Trouble taking turns
- Daydreams often
- Often misplaces or loses items
- Talks too much
Diagnosing and Treating Attention Deficit Hyper-Activity Disorder
There is no definitive test for diagnosing this disorder. It is more a process of ruling out other possibilities. Your doctor may order hearing and vision tests and physical and questionnaires to gauge the disorder's symptoms. Treatment may involve medication or therapy, depending on what is best for your child.
Call for Your Appointment Today
Dr. Puckett, and Dr. Sauceman of Newport Pediatrics, located in Newport, TN, await your call today at (423) 623-0653 to assess your child for ADHD.