As a parent, have you ever said words like: “Chores are always left undone.” “There is a trail of belongings across the house.” “Every new task means a new argument.” “Homework feels like it takes forever.” “I wish he could be more independent.” “He seems so forgetful.” “She’s so smart but just can’t turn in the work on time.” “Her room is so messy!”
We can help.
Children and young adults with attention problems can sometimes struggle with staying on top of every day tasks. Keeping organized takes more work. Remembering details can be challenging. Navigating school assignments can feel cumbersome and time-consuming. Getting started with tasks can feel impossible. Your child may feel that it takes longer for them to complete school work compared to their peers. Independent work can feel daunting. When a child feels frustrated with school, declines in academic motivation and self-esteem can occur. These may be symptoms of ADHD.
Children with ADHD also can experience challenges with behavior. While these behavior challenges often look similar to peers, a child with ADHD experiences impulse control problems and delayed development that can lead to more persistent troublesome behaviors. The good news? Most children with ADHD respond to the same basic principles of behavior management as do other kids. Thinking Tree clinicians can help with ADHD treatment for children.
Symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder):
Children with ADHD display several but not all of these symptoms. Symptoms of ADHD typically begin prior to age 12. Children can be diagnosed with ADHD with primarily inattentive symptoms, primarily hyperactive symptoms, or a combined presentation.
Inattention symptoms:
Failure to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
Difficulty holding attention on tasks or play activities.
Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
Does not follow through or fails to finish tasks (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).
Poor organization
Avoids tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
Loses things
Easily distracted
Forgetful
Hyperactivity symptoms:
Fidgety
Often leaves seat
Runs about or climbs in situations where it is not appropriate (restless)
Acts “on the go” or as if “driven by a motor”
Loud in otherwise quiet situations
Talks excessively
Interrupts
Has difficulty waiting their turn
Therapy for ADHD in Severna Park, MD
Young people have hopes and goals, both big and small. When those goals feel out of reach, life can feel disappointing. When it feels like your brain is working against you, day-to-day tasks can be frustrating. When people around you get angry because you aren’t following through, you can feel like giving up. Life starts to feel like a mountain of obstacles to climb. Change can happen. We can help.
Our clinicians have helped hundreds of families to meet challenges related to ADHD, executive functioning issues and a full range of developmental challenges affecting young people. Through practical problem-solving and behavioral techniques, children and young adults can develop tools to help them reach their full potential.
The Thinking Tree Approach to Therapy for ADHD
Therapy for ADHD at Thinking Tree focuses on teaching children and young adults strategies for success. Our clinicians also work closely with parents, teachers, and other community professionals to help build each individual's competencies in all areas of life.
Focus of ADHD treatment may include:
Adapting daily routine to fit the child’s needs
Managing distractions
Study skills
Planning and Organization skills
Time management skills
Tools to increase on-task behavior
Support during transitions to new school or college
Teaching parents behavior management skills and strategies to support their child
Behavioral interventions in the classroom
Strategies to shape successful behavior
Discussion of the benefits of further evaluation via psychoeducational testing
Educational consultations, including attendance at IEP/504 meetings
Team building for school-home collaboration
Dr. Joyce Cooper-Kahn describes her ADHD treatment approach:
“I enjoy working with children and families affected by attention problems, executive functioning challenges, learning disabilities and behavioral issues. In therapy, I draw on sound, research-based knowledge, clinical experience and a practical problem-solving approach to facilitate the development of children and teens. Together, we build competence and confidence one step at a time.”
Dr. Laurie Perlis describes her approach to ADHD treatment and evaluations:
“My goal is for each client (and family) to grow in their understanding of themselves and their emotions and behaviors while also learning new ways of thinking (cognitive) and doing (behavioral) that improve their quality of life and relationships. As a therapist, it is incredibly gratifying to see my clients use their own unique perspective and creativity (often with a healthy dose of humor) to apply information and skills they are learning in a way that is meaningful and helpful to them.
Begin Therapy for ADHD in Severna Park, MD
Your child does not have to struggle. Therapy for ADHD in Severna Park can help your child reach their full potential! Our Severna Park therapy office has caring clinicians who specialize in ADHD treatment. To start your therapy journey, follow these simple steps:
Meet with one of our caring clinicians
Start helping your child thrive
Other Services at Thinking Tree Psychology
Therapy for ADHD is not the only service we offer at Thinking Tree Psychology in Severna Park. Other mental health services provided by Thinking Tree Psychology include psychoeducational testing as well as family therapy, therapy for anxiety, , therapy for chronic illness, therapy for young adults, and nature-informed therapy. At this time, we are also offering telehealth psychology services as a convenient, safe way to attend therapy. Please visit our therapy overview page to learn more about additional therapy services. For any other questions, feel free to visit our FAQ page.