It’s the third call you’ve gotten this month from the school. The teacher’s been complaining that little Johnny fidgets constantly, can’t stay in his seat, interrupts and blurts things out during class. His desk is a mess, he forgets his backpack almost every day, and loses his homework constantly. You feel like you are at your wits end. You are just not sure what to do or where to turn. No matter how many times you tell him to stop, it continues. What can you do?
If this sounds like your child, they may have a common disorder call Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, which is a condition that is marked with inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. You can have three types, primarily inattentive type, primarily hyperactive/impulsive type, or a combined type. The good news is that whichever type you have, it’s treatable. Research has shown that counseling can help. Call a Thriveworks-Wyomissing counselor and we can show you how.
How Do I Know If My Child Has ADHD?
Children will be children. How do I know if my child is exhibiting normal childlike behaviors or if it is more than that? When is it truly a problem? How do I know that the teacher is just not overreacting? It can be very confusing to differentiate between what is normal and what is not. However, if your child exhibits many of the following behaviors and it seems to interfere with their daily functioning, especially at school, you may want to get your child evaluated. Here is a list of some of the common symptoms:
- Trouble focusing or paying attention
- Doesn’t seem to listen when being spoken too
- Makes careless mistakes and doesn’t pay close attention to details
- Fails to complete tasks or homework and avoids lengthy tasks
- Unorganized, forgetful, and loses things frequently
- Often fidgets with hands or feet
- Can’t sit still, gets out of seat, runs and climbs on furniture
- Talks excessively, interrupts frequently, and blurts things out
- Seems to be constantly on the go or driven by a motor
- Cannot play quietly
What if I have ADHD?
Just because you are an adult doesn’t mean you can’t have ADHD. Many people have struggled throughout life feeling stupid, lazy, and crazy. If you feel as though you have always had many of the same symptoms and it currently impacts your work and relationships, you may want to be evaluated as well. It is not uncommon for people to get pretty far in life, always suspecting that something was wrong, but not sure how to quite put your finger on it. Usually it’s the people with the inattentive type that don’t find out what’s wrong until much later because it can be very subtle.
If you have had difficulty with organizing your life, managing time, and holding down a job, counseling can help. Call a Thriveworks-Wyomissing counselor. Let us help you stay on track.
What Causes ADHD?
ADHD is a developmental disorder. That means that there are maturational lags in the way that the brain develops. Researchers believe that both genetics and the environment can both play a factor. That is why sometimes medication can help as well as counseling, cognitive behavioral strategies, and parenting techniques. Usually for best results, there needs to be a combination.
How Can Counseling Help?
The most important thing in treatment is that it is properly assessed. Just because you have these same symptoms, doesn’t always mean you have ADHD. There are many other disorders and illnesses that overlap or may mimic the symptoms of ADHD. Many times anxiety, depression, or other illnesses can cause attention problems. It is important to know the root of the problem, so you can get the best and correct treatment.
In addition, it is also important to know exactly which type of ADHD you may have because treatment will focus on training that part of you or your child’s brain. Counseling for ADHD may include education, parent training, behavior modification, and techniques and strategies to increase self-regulation, organization, or time-management skills. It may also include a referral for medication. Research has shown that counseling can help. Brain functioning can be altered through intervention.
How can Thriveworks-Wyomissing Help?
Our counselors at Thriveworks-Wyomissing are trained in assessing and treating ADHD. We will meet with you or your child to conduct an ADHD screening and/or more comprehensive thorough evaluation and assess whether you or your child truly has ADHD or something else that may mimic this disorder. We will work hard to determine what is going on to give you the right course of treatment. Call now. We can help. It doesn’t have to stay this way forever.
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