Many parents that bring their children to CNLD Testing & Therapy have questions about attention. For example, are they simply creative and an “out-of-the-box” thinker, or is s/he really struggling more than other children? Paying attention is a complex task that involves different parts of the brain, including the executive functions. Everyone can have trouble paying attention or staying organized at one time or another, but when these problems persist for a long period of time and start interfering with daily life, it can become frustrating and overwhelming. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, may be a factor.
These struggles aren’t limited to children either. Many adults we see at CNLD Testing & Therapy struggle to stay focused, remember information, organize their home or workspace and manage their time effectively. Through our personalized ADHD treatment, you can gain a better grasp on your symptoms and learn coping strategies to address ADHD.
What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
ADHD is a brain-based condition that affects about 8-10% of school-aged children and 4% of the adult population. Common ADHD symptoms include:
- Poor attention, which may look like forgetfulness or daydreaming
- Lack of self-control – frequently interrupting others, creating disruptions, and acting impulsively
- Being distracted by irrelevant sights and sounds
- Problems with organization and planning
- Jumping from task to task or not being able to complete them
- Excessive body movements, fidgeting, and squirming
- Difficulty following through with responsibilities
If these symptoms are left untreated, ADHD can lead to frustration with school and work performance, low self-esteem, and poor social relationships. To evaluate if you or your child may have ADHD, a screening may be appropriate.
Testing before ADHD Treatment
Since so many factors impact our ability to focus and may look like ADHD, diagnosing this condition is a challenging task. Therefore, a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation may be necessary to rule out these other factors. Neuropsychological testing can provide an intervention plan that can serve as a roadmap with specific directions about where to turn and how to address any struggles. Instead of wandering in the dark and trying desperately to discover you or your child’s abilities within the context of attention struggles, we can support you through a team of caring professionals who will enlighten the path and guide you to positive, strength-based solutions.
Once an accurate diagnosis is made, we will implement a custom-built intervention plan that could include executive function coaching, cognitive-behavior therapy, parent management training, parent guidance, mindfulness/relaxation training and school/work advocacy. Each plan is tailored to an individual’s particular needs and assessment profile.