Our approach to treating ADHD is an integrated approach, and is customized to each individual client. We believe that no one solution works for everyone; therefore, to achieve a long term positive outcome, it requires a comprehensive approach.
Our team of health professionals include: psychologists, ADHD coaches, medical doctors, and other support services, who will work directly with you and your family through the evaluation and treatment process. Treatment can include therapy, dietary changes, support groups, coaching, and/or medication.
In order to provide individuals with the highest quality of service, ADHD Specialists does not contract directly with insurance companies. However, frequently our services are covered by the "out of network" portion of your insurance coverage. Our staff does provide you with the documentation necessary for submission to your insurance company.
This decision to not contract directly with insurers is based on our commitment to provide individuals with the best possible treatment, free of managed care and insurance restrictions. Therefore, all services are provided on a private-pay basis only and are collected at the time of service.
Our ADHD evaluation is a comprehensive team approach. The initial visit is a 90-120 minute evaluation with a Medical Doctor, Psychiatrist, during which the goal is to obtain a clear picture of the client’s history, current conditions, and assessment needs.
The Psychiatrist will discuss an initial treatment plan, which may include medication. Prior to the visit the patient or parent of the patient will be requested to complete several questionnaires to help identify the various components of your condition.
Computerized testing and/or additional assessments may be requested by the Psychiatrist and a separate session will be set up. Assessments help us to identify strengths and weakness, examine how tasks are approached, and determine what plan will help you become more efficient and successful.
Test results are quickly scored so that we can provide you with feedback within days. Our Treatment Team reviews the results of the evaluation, tests and/or assessments and prepares a potential treatment plan for the client. The second visit is the feedback appointment where the therapist/coach and you will sit down to discuss test results as well as a treatment plan.
The third step will be a follow-up appointment with your Psychiatrist, to answer any questions, discuss the medications, finalize your treatment plan, provide feedback and provide both education and client support.. This appointment is approximately 30 minutes.
On a monthly basis, our professional staff offers a free presentation in our center where we will explain the facts about ADHD, discuss our unique treatment approach, and answer your questions. Please call our center to make reservations today at 1-888-311-ADHD.
This is one reason we require such a detailed medical history and why it is important to work with a physician who is trained in the use of ADD/ADHD medications. If medication is necessary, our physicians can best determine which medication is most appropriate for the individual.
During the treatment process, we closely monitor the client and make adjustments as needed. Once an individual is stabilized on a medication, we require children under the age of 18 and students to have a regular two month follow-up appointment with the psychiatrist, we require adults to have a regular three month follow-up appointment with the psychiatrist.
It has been suggested that attention disorders are caused by refined sugar or food additives, or that symptoms of ADHD are exacerbated by sugar or food additives. In 1982 it was found that diet restrictions helped about 5% of children with ADHD, mostly young children who had food allergies. However, a more recent study suggest, that using sugar or sugar substitute showed no significant effects in regards to sugar and behavior or learning disabilities.
However, what we eat determines how effectively our brain operates. Poor diet alone can lead to distractibility, impulsivity, restlessness, and poor sleep and look like ADD/ADHD when it is not. Protein is important. Lowering the intake of carbohydrates to match the intake of protein, eating breakfast, consuming vitamin C through food vs. supplements, and adding an Omega 3 Fatty Acids in the form of Fish Oil supplementation are a good starting point with dietary changes.
Continue to check out our website on a continual basis for more information to come about Nutrition and ADD/ADHD.
Yes, adults can be evaluated for ADD/ADHD. We know from clinical experience that ADD/ADHD is often undiagnosed in adults and can have serious negative consequences left untreated. Recent research suggests that ADHD possesses a strong genetic component and is often present in multiple members of the same family. In addition, adult symptoms seem to increase with age.
Many children with ADD/ADHD experience a general diminishing of some of their symptoms as they approach adulthood. Symptoms from childhood shift as children become teens. Symptoms shift again as teens become adults.
Approximately 50-60% of children with ADHD will still meet the full criteria for ADHD as adults and will continue to have significant problems with distractability and impulsivity in their academic, occupational, or social life. The majority of children with ADHD will grow into adults with ADHD.
With proper treatment children with ADD/ADHD can experience what is known as ADD/ADHD in partial remission. Also children who receive proper treatment will develop critical life skills that they may otherwise not learn.
Children respond better when parents are relaxed and convey a positive feeling when providing information. Enthusiasm for the office and the person your child will be working often helps reduce anxiety. It will be helpful to speak in an age appropriate way and tell children that everyone learns differently. Followed by how we are going to do some tasks that are “kind of like games” to help us figure out how he/she “learns best”.
Kids typically don’t need a lot of detail but want just enough so they feel comfortable. Helping your child feel at ease about the process in advance can set the stage for a positive experience at the center. Due to individual differences, some parents may choose to offer a reward or incentive to their child to increase motivation while others do not. |
