ADHD Diagnosis: When to See a New Doctor

Part of the initial interview involves asking a new patient about how they got their ADHD diagnosis (if they were already given one), what treatments they took, and its effects (or lack thereof). This gives me a better idea of what new treatments to try. Their experiences have also helped me determine a few "warning signs" that suggest that it's time to see a new doctor, therapist, or health care specialist for ADHD. Here are some of them.

Advocates only one treatment

If the doctor says that the only way to treat ADHD is with drugs, or if the only educational material he gives you are drug company brochures or pharmaceutical pamphlets, consider seeking help somewhere else. Additionally, walk out of the office if the doctor says that behavioral training, a team approach, or a holistic approach is not necessary for your child's recovery. Also be wary of doctors who push only one treatment without exploring other options.

Veterinary medicine

This is when a doctor only talks to you and ignores the child - the actual patient. A doctor cannot help a child recover from a neurologic condition without knowing what goes on in that child's head, and the only way to find out is to let the child speak.

Does not believe in ADHD

Your child won't get the help he or she needs from a doctor, therapist, or counselor who says that his ADHD symptoms are just "growing pains" or indicators of poor discipline, stubbornness, or laziness.

The diagnosis is made too quickly

Be wary of doctors who do not bother to find the causes of your child's symptoms, especially when starting a new treatment or drug. A nutritional deficiency, sensory integration disorder, and anxiety are just some of the many health conditions that mimic ADHD, and many of them cannot be treated with medication. For this reason, diagnosing ADHD is a complicated process that should involve several steps and tests; only by uncovering the roots of the symptoms can a treatment yield desired results.

Does not listen to input from others

Consider seeking a different doctor if he or she downplays the input and observations from teachers, other family members, friends, or siblings.

Does not paint a realistic picture of your child's condition

We want to give our patients hope and assure them that everything is going to be fine, but a good doctor should also provide you with a realistic picture of your child's condition and treatment. ADHD is not a disorder that will magically go away; it is a lifelong condition that your child must learn to manage for the rest of his or her life. When treating ADHD, there are no guarantees that everything will get better once a treatment kicks in; new situations and certain conditions may cause symptoms to flare up unexpectedly. Additionally, a child's treatment plan should encourage him or her to take a proactive role, if you hope for long-term results.

Dr. Yannick Pauli is an expert on natural approaches to ADHD and the author of the popular self-help home-program The Unritalin Solution. He is Director of the Centre Neurofit in Lausanne, Switzerland and has a passion taking care of children with ADHD. Click on the link for more great information about what is adhd.

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Finding a Doctor who Understands Autism

Even if bedwetting isn't a challenge for you, finding a doctor who understands autism may be an obstacle you'll need to overcome. Why? Unless a doctor has had experience with autism, it will be unlikely that they will be able to help effectively diagnose and treat the condition. Autism is not a simple pervasive development disorder that can be fixed with medication or a few trips to the psychiatrist. It is a serious disorder that affects people differently, making each case specific to the individual.

Therefore, regardless if you or your child's pediatrician suspects autism, it is imperative to your child and their future that they are referred to someone who specializes in diagnosing and treating autism spectrum disorders. This means your child may require more than one medical professional who specializes in autism.

The following is a list of medical professionals that might make up the multidisciplinary assessment team an autistic child requires:

o Child psychiatrist - Can help determine the initial diagnosis, prescribes medications, and helps an autistic deal with social relationships and developing emotional behavior.

o Clinical psychologist - Specialist who understands the impact and nature of autism and other development disability disorders. They may conduct a psychological assessment test and assist with the training of social skills and modifying behavior.

o Development pediatrician - treats children with health problems related to handicaps or delays in development.

o Language/speech therapist - Helps to improve communication skills, focusing on language and speech.

o Occupational therapist - Focuses on helping those with disabilities develop daily practical and self-help skills such as eating and getting dressed. They may also focus on fine motor skills, sensory integration and coordination of movement.

o Physical therapist - Helps a child improve their coordination and motor skills by strengthening muscles, joints, nerves and bones

o Social Worker - Can help arrange treatments and services and can provide counseling services.

Once you find the professionals your child needs, it is imperative that you work closely with them. The reason is because although professionals have experience with autism, you are the most experienced when it comes to the specific information regarding your child's needs and abilities.

To effectively work together with professionals you need to:

o Educate yourself - Learn as much as you can about autism

o Prepare yourself- Write down any questions or concerns you have regarding your child, autism or treatment and address them with the professional(s)

o Open communication - You don't have to agree with everything a professional says. If you disagree with a recommendation voice your opinion.

If you are unsure where you can find the right professionals that specialize in autism, the following are some helpful suggestions:

o In your community - Visit your health care provider, hospital, or pharmacist and ask them if they know anyone who specializes in diagnosing and treating autism. You can also contact your government's health department. Just remember, even if you are referred to someone, this may not be the specialist you are looking for. Don't be afraid to find out their experience before making a commitment.

o Internet resources - The internet is a fantastic resourced and has plenty of useful and helpful information about autism, understanding and effectively helping autistics, and how to get help in your community. Some excellent websites you can check out include:

o Autism Society of America (autism-society.org)

o Autism Treatment Services of Canada (autisim.ca)

o National Autistic Society (nas.org.uk)

o AutisimHelpForYou.com

o Autistics.org

o Support group - Getting involved in a support group that is designed to reach out to autistics and their families can be extremely helpful for finding a professional, as you can ask fellow members for recommendations. Support groups also provide you with encouragement when times are tough, and allow you the opportunity to discuss autism with others who know what you are experiencing.

For more help and advice regarding autism treatment or subscribe to a free newsletter on the autism resources site.

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