One of the most controversial medical conditions in the United States, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD), is also one of the most common conditions affecting our clients. Many people believe that AD/HD is overdiagnosed, but the fact is that fewer people are receiving treatment for AD/HD than the Centers for Disease Control would expect to be in treatment. Family Psychology Associates are leaders in the diagnosis and treatment of AD/HD. Our assessment batteries not only try to identify AD/HD, but also search for the most common co-occurring conditions, such as learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, mood disorders and tic disorders. Oftentimes, the co-occurring disorder has a significant impact on how treatment plans are devised. We also consider conditions that may mimic AD/HD, such as sleep disorders and thyroid disorders.
At the conclusion of our comprehensive evaluation, we provide a set of recommendations for the treatment plan that matches your needs. We also educate you about AD/HD, so that you can be an informed consumer. Treatment of AD/HD often requires the contributions of many different healthcare providers and we serve as your care manager to help you navigate the complexities of the healthcare environment. Our clients often see three or more professionals, but it is critical to have a care manager to coordinate communication between all the healthcare providers.
AD/HD is an information processing disorder that affects a student’s learning. At Family Psychology Associates, we can advocate for your student in the development of an Individualized Education Plan or a 504 Plan. We are experienced in helping our clients obtain accommodations on standardized testing, such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, and even the Bar Exam.
AD/HD can also affect a person’s interpersonal relationships. Social interactions require information processing, so AD/HD can impair a person’s social skills or emotional regulation. We provide group therapy to help individuals learn how to express their feelings appropriately and develop empathy for the feelings of others. We also provide parent training to assist with the challenge of parenting an AD/HD child. To schedule an appointment, visit our Contact Us page.
Dr. Smith: Evaluation of AD/HD and Learning Disabilities
Here are a few readings that may assist you:
Healing ADD: The Breakthrough Program That Helps You See and Heal the Seven Types of ADD. Daniel Amen, 2013.
Smart But Scattered: The Revolutionary “Executive Skills” Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential. Peg Dawson and Richard Guare, 2011.
Smart But Scattered for Teens: The “Executive Skills” Program to Help Teens Reach Their Potential. Richard Guare, Peg Dawson and Colin Guare, 2013.
ADD in the Workplace: Choices, Changes and Challenges. Kathleen Nadeau, 2013.
Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults: A Different Way of Thinking. Lynn Weiss, 2005.