Services for Children: ADD/ADHD Therapy

All children have times where they do not pay attention, forget what they are supposed to do, or have so much energy they cannot sit still for five minutes. However, for some children these instances happen more frequently than not and interfere to some degree with their social or academic functioning. These children may have a Neurodevelopmental Disorder known as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD).

Understanding Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD)

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) can be described as a pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. This pattern begins before the age of 12 and is present in at least two settings such as at school and at home. There are three specifiers of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) used to indicate a specific subtype of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)-Predominately inattentive presentation, predominately hyperactive/impulsive presentation, and combined presentation.

1. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: These individuals show symptoms such as failing to pay close attention to details, avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort, losing things, appearing forgetful, being easily distracted, and difficulties paying attention, listening, following instruction, and organizing.
2. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Predominately Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation: These individuals show symptoms such as always being “on the go”, fidgeting frequently, talking excessively, blurting out an answer before the question is completed, interrupting others, at inappropriate times leaving seat, running, or climbing, and difficulties waiting his/her turn and engaging in leisure activities.
3. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Combined Presentation: These individuals show at least six symptoms of inattention and six symptoms of hyperactive/impulsive presentation.

ADD/ADHD Treatment

Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often show some academic difficulties and may have social adjustment problems such as having few friends and being the victim of peer rejection. It is important to provide children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) the treatment, therapy, and support they need to become successful. Therapists, Counselors, Psychotherapists, and Psychologists at each of our locations can work together with children and their parents to help establish a plan that works best for the individual child. Professionals work with behavioral interventions that help reduce the symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Along with working directly with the child, another intervention known as parent training in child behavior management is commonly used and involves training parents to use positive reinforcement, time-out, and other behavioral strategies to best help their child.

Our ADD/ADHD Program

Our specialists can assist with ADD/ADHD therapy and treatment in Grand Rapids for your child. Call us or submit a request via our contact form to speak to one of our compassionate specialists.