Empowering Children with Adhd to Thrive: Personalized Treatment and Coaching
Our ADHD treatment is designed to support your child’s academic success, emotional well-being, and social development.
Understanding ADHD in Children
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a unique neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, activity levels, and impulse control. While it presents challenges, it also comes with incredible strengths, such as creativity, high energy, and innovative thinking. Recognizing these strengths alongside the challenges is key to helping children with ADHD thrive.
Quick Facts About ADHD
- ADHD affects about 11.4% of U.S. children aged 3–17 (CDC).
- It’s more commonly diagnosed in boys, but ADHD in girls often goes unnoticed due to less obvious symptoms.
- Symptoms usually appear before age 12 and can vary widely from child to child.
The Impact of ADHD
Without proper support, ADHD can lead to challenges such as:
- In School: Difficulty focusing, completing assignments, or staying organized.
- With Peers: Trouble building friendships and handling social interactions.
- Emotionally: Struggles with frustration, emotional regulation, and impulsivity.
Reframing ADHD as a Strength
Children with ADHD often excel in:
- Creativity: Thinking outside the box and coming up with unique ideas.
- Hyperfocus: Intense concentration on topics or activities they’re passionate about.
- Energy and Enthusiasm: Approaching life with excitement and drive.
How to Support Children with ADHD
- Early Intervention: Timely diagnosis and support can transform challenges into opportunities.
- Practical Strategies: Tools like visual schedules, positive reinforcement, and mindfulness practices can improve focus and emotional regulation.
- Celebrate Strengths: Highlight and nurture your child’s talents and interests to build confidence and resilience.
With understanding and tailored support, children with ADHD can thrive, unlocking their full potential and embracing their unique abilities.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Children
- Inattention: Difficulty sustaining focus and forgetfulness.
- Hyperactivity: Excessive fidgeting and difficulty remaining seated.
- Impulsivity: Interrupting others and difficulty waiting their turn.
ADHD Treatment Options for Children
Traditional Approaches
- Psychopharmacology: Medications can help manage core symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine (Adderall) are commonly prescribed.
- Psychotherapy: Both in-person and online, psychotherapy offers valuable support by focusing on coping skills, emotion management, and behavior improvement. Our key therapies include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps children identify and change negative thought patterns while developing coping strategies for managing symptoms.
- Behavior Therapy: Aims to modify specific ADHD-related behaviors, such as impulsivity and hyperactivity.
- Play Therapy: Designed for younger children, helping them express feelings and navigate challenges in a non-threatening environment.
- Parent Training: Equips parents with effective strategies for managing their child’s behavior at home, fostering a supportive environment.
Holistic Approaches
- Non-Medication Options: Our ADHD treatment also includes holistic approaches, focusing on lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and behavioral interventions tailored to the child’s needs.
Supplements for ADHD
Natural supplements can support ADHD management and include:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: May improve attention and mood.
- Magnesium and Zinc: Important for nerve function and neurotransmitter regulation.
- Vitamin D: Supports brain development and can improve ADHD symptoms.
- Other individually tailored nutrients
ADHD Management Strategies: Partnering with Families
At the heart of effective ADHD support is collaboration with families. We empower parents with tools and strategies to create a supportive, structured environment where children with ADHD can thrive. Your role as a parent is vital, and together, we build a foundation for growth and success.
How We Collaborate with Families:
- Routines: We help you design predictable daily schedules that provide structure and reduce overwhelm for your child.
- Clear Expectations: Together, we establish consistent rules and boundaries, giving your child the guidance they need to feel secure.
- Positive Reinforcement: We focus on rewarding positive behaviors to build self-esteem and encourage emotional growth.
Why Parental Involvement Matters:
Parents are key to creating a nurturing environment that supports a child’s unique needs. By working together, we help families navigate challenges, celebrate strengths, and build the skills necessary for long-term success. With our guidance and your dedication, your child can develop the confidence and tools to thrive at home, in school, and beyond.
Functional Medicine Approach to ADHD
The functional medicine approach recognizes ADHD as a complex condition influenced by multiple systems within the body. This method seeks to identify and address the root causes through personalized treatment plans.
We use specialized testing to uncover underlying factors contributing to a child’s ADHD symptoms, allowing us to create a personalized, effective treatment plan.
Examples of Specialized Tests
- Micronutrient Testing
- Evaluates levels of essential vitamins and minerals needed for brain function.
- Deficiencies in nutrients like Vitamin D, B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc are often linked to ADHD symptoms.
- Comprehensive Stool Testing
- Analyzes the gut microbiome to assess the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria.
- Gut health directly influences brain function and may play a role in ADHD symptoms.
- Heavy Metal Testing
- Detects exposure to neurotoxic heavy metals, such as lead or mercury.
- Insights from this test can guide dietary and lifestyle changes to help reduce ADHD-related challenges.
- Organic Acids Testing
- Examines metabolic pathways to identify imbalances that may impact brain function.
- Provides a clearer understanding of how the child’s body processes energy and nutrients.
- Genetic Testing
- Identifies genetic variations that affect brain chemistry and function.
- Offers guidance on which supplements, therapies, or medications might be most effective.
These advanced tests provide a comprehensive view of the biological and environmental factors contributing to ADHD, empowering us to create targeted interventions that address the root causes and support your child’s well-being.
Why Treat ADHD Early?
Treating ADHD early helps kids build on their strengths and develop confidence. It allows them to recognize their abilities, feel accomplished, and set a strong foundation for success.
Without treatment, ADHD can lead to other challenges, like anxiety, depression, or substance use later in life. It can also make it harder to succeed at work or maintain healthy relationships as an adult.
Addressing ADHD early also reduces risks like impulsive behaviors or inattention, which can sometimes lead to accidents or injuries. Early support ensures your child can thrive now and in the future.
FAQ: Dr. Lewis’s Approach to Adhd in Children
What makes Dr. Lewis’s approach to ADHD different?
Dr. Lewis goes beyond traditional ADHD treatments by looking at root causes like nutrient deficiencies, gut health, sleep problems, and environmental factors. This holistic approach allows us to create a tailored plan that addresses the core challenges while providing practical support to help your child succeed.
What does the evaluation process look like?
Our process begins with a thorough consultation to learn about your child’s health history and challenges. We may conduct:
- Structured interview to assess for symptoms.
- Functional medicine testing when appropriate.
- Sleep quality evaluation to assess how sleep patterns affect ADHD symptoms.
- This comprehensive evaluation helps us uncover what’s contributing to your child’s symptoms.
- Other advanced testing.
What treatment options do you offer?
We create customized treatment plans based on your child’s unique needs, which may include:
- Behavioral tools and techniques tailored to your child.
- Medication, if appropriate, as part of a broader care plan.
- Nutritional support to improve focus and energy.
- Sleep strategies for better rest and regulation.
How can we support our child at home?
We work with families to create a supportive home environment, including:
- Establishing consistent routines that reduce stress and encourage focus.
- Adopting nutrition strategies that support brain health.
- Developing tools to handle challenging moments effectively.
- Enhancing sleep quality with practical, child-friendly adjustments.
What role does nutrition play in managing ADHD?
Nutrition plays a key role in your child’s brain function and behavior. We focus on:
- Identifying nutrient deficiencies that impact symptoms.
- Optimizing diet to improve attention and mood.
- Exploring how gut health influences brain function.
How do online appointments work for kids?
Our secure telehealth sessions offer the same level of care as in-person visits and are convenient for busy families, for younger children in person care may be important. Online appointments are ideal for:
- Initial consultations and follow-ups.
- Reviewing test results.
- Sharing behavioral strategies and adjustments.
What can we expect in terms of progress?
Progress varies, but many families see improvements in phases:
- Initial improvement within a few weeks.
- Deeper improvements over 3–6 months as root causes are addressed.
- Long-term growth as your child builds resilience and gains tools for lasting success.
Start your child’s journey toward focus, confidence, and well-being today!
We’re here to support your Family
every step of the way.
Don’t hesitate to reach out and take the next step toward a brighter future for your child.