Mahaska Health Partnership Educates on ADHD Symptoms in Children

Mahaska Health Partnership

MAHASKA COUNTY – Does your child struggle with having conversations, fidgeting or finishing projects? Is reading, writing or math a struggle? These behaviors and challenges could be signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Mahaska Health Partnership Pediatrician and ADHD Expert John O’Brien, MD, offers tips on identifying symptoms in your child and ways to manage them.

“It’s normal for kids to struggle from time to time with focusing and sitting still,” Dr. O’Brien explained. “However, if it becomes a routine problem, it can take a toll on schoolwork and other responsibilities. It’s important to share your concerns with a trained professional to see if additional assistance may be needed.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders children face. It is usually diagnosed in childhood and lasts into adulthood. “Children with ADHD may struggle with daydreaming, forgetfulness, squirming, inability to focus, trouble taking turns and getting along with others,” Dr. O’Brien shared. “However, these symptoms alone are not abnormal, so diagnosis may be difficult for some children and may take time to pinpoint the exact cause.”

There is currently no one test to determine whether someone has ADHD, but Dr. O’Brien utilizes a number of tools to help determine a child’s diagnosis. “I use many things to aid in diagnosis of ADHD, including personal interviews, checklists, medical exams and family history,” Dr. O’Brien said. “If we discover your child is struggling with ADHD, we will work together to determine a treatment plan that meets your child’s needs.”

For children with ADHD, different treatment options are available. “Each child is different, so it’s vital to work with parents to determine the best treatment solution for them and their

child,” Dr. O’Brien explained. “Oftentimes, a combination of behavior therapy and medication can do wonders for a child struggling with focusing and impulsive behaviors.”

Along with professional treatments, Dr. O’Brien has a few tips for parents who want to help their children at home and school. “In children with ADHD, structure and routine with minimal distractions can really help. Try to keep the same schedule for wake-up and bedtime and keep your child’s backpack and other daily items in the same location so they are less likely to lose them. For help with focusing, make sure to turn off the TV and any other distractions, especially during homework time. Limiting choices and using goals and rewards can also help keep your child from becoming overwhelmed while also motivating them to stay on task.”

According to Dr. O’Brien, the best thing parents can do is be involved with their child’s treatment and progress. “I encourage parents to research and educate themselves on how to help their child who is struggling with ADHD. If you try something and it doesn’t work, look for new ways to approach the same issue. By working as a team we can all help your child manage their ADHD and reach their full potential in good physical and emotional health.”

Dr. O’Brien is now accepting new pediatric patients on the MHP campus in Oskaloosa. He is available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. For an appointment call 641.672.3360.

Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, look us up on the web: mahaskahealth.org.