ADHD Specialist

Though attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) begins in early childhood, the problem often continues into adulthood, with 30-70% of children struggling with the disorder throughout their life. The pediatric neurologists at Complete Neurological Care provide ADHD testing and comprehensive treatment that combines therapy, dietary changes, biofeedback, and medications. To schedule an appointment, call the nearest office or book online today. There are five locations in New York City — the Forest Hills and Astoria neighborhoods in Queens, the Financial District, Midtown, and Washington Heights neighborhoods in Manhattan — as well as offices in Valley Stream and Hicksville, New York.

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in childhood. Though ADHD causes symptoms before the age of 12, it may go undiagnosed until adulthood.

Children with ADHD may seem purposefully defiant or disruptive. However, they have an imbalance in brain chemicals that makes it hard for them to deal with their emotions, regulate their behavior, and focus on the task at hand.

At any age, people with ADHD have a poor working memory. Working memory is the ability to hold multiple pieces of information in your head long enough to use it. You need working memory to follow instructions, plan your next step, and associate one step or activity with another.

What symptoms develop due to ADHD?

Children can develop inattentive ADHD, hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, or combined ADHD, which means they have symptoms from both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types. 

Inattentive ADHD symptoms

Children and adults with inattentive ADHD struggle to pay attention and stay organized. They may miss details, forget to do chores, frequently lose things, or make careless mistakes. It may seem like they’re not listening or that their mind is on something else.

Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms

The symptoms of this type of ADHD include:

• Weak impulse control
• Frequently fidgeting
• Often on the go
• Talking a lot and blurting out answers
• Feeling impatient or restless
• Having a hard time waiting
• Interrupting or intruding on others

Children may get up from their desk in the classroom (when they should be sitting), and adults may find it hard to sit through a business meeting.

How is ADHD treated?

The pediatric neurologists at Complete Neurological Care diagnose ADHD using psychological evaluations, behavioral assessments, and information obtained from parents and teachers. Once they diagnose ADHD, they develop a treatment plan based on each person’s individual condition and needs.

ADHD treatments may include a combination of:

• Behavioral therapies
• Dietary modification
• Biofeedback
• Medication
• Social skills training
• Support groups

Behavioral therapies are customized to help improve focus, organization, and the ability to complete a series of tasks. Therapy also teaches the skills needed to manage anger and interact with peers and family.

Medications such as stimulants treat hyperactivity and impulsivity while also improving attention. However, non-stimulant medications are also available.

If your child has problems with attention and hyperactivity, call Complete Neurological Care, or book an appointment online today.