What Parents say:
I never feel rushed by them. I leave feeling like I have been listened to and given ample time to ask any questions I have about my child. I appreciate the organization and efficiency of the practice and the level of care we are receiving.
– Ellis W.
Symptoms & Conditions We Treat
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), sometimes referred to as ADD, is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child’s ability to focus, regulate impulses, and manage activity level. It is not caused by poor parenting or lack of effort—rather, it reflects differences in how the brain develops and functions. ADHD often runs in families, with research showing a strong genetic link. If a parent or sibling has ADHD, a child’s likelihood of having it is higher as well.
ADHD can look very different from one child to another. Boys are often identified earlier because they may show more outward hyperactivity—difficulty sitting still, interrupting, or acting impulsively. Girls, on the other hand, are more likely to show inattentive symptoms such as daydreaming, disorganization, or seeming to “tune out,” which can make ADHD harder to recognize. Some children struggle with focus or behavior that leads to lower school performance, while others may perform well academically but only by working much harder or longer than their peers. Both patterns are valid and can still indicate ADHD, as symptoms often affect effort, time management, and emotional well-being as much as grades.
At PAA, we take a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to evaluating and treating ADHD. There are several ways a diagnosis can be made. Some children are evaluated by specialists such as a neuropsychologist or neurologist, while others may be assessed through their school. Your child’s primary care provider (PCP) can also complete an ADHD assessment—and because your PCP knows your child best, this is often a great place to start.
Concerns are sometimes raised during a routine well visit, but a dedicated consult appointment allows time to focus fully on attention, behavior, and learning concerns. During this visit, your provider will review symptoms and use standardized screening tools completed by both parents and teachers. For children ages 6–12 years, PAA uses the Vanderbilt Assessment Scales, which help us understand a child’s attention, activity level, and behavior at home and at school. Younger children outside this range are typically referred to a specialist. For children over 12 years, your provider can review other validated assessment tools to guide diagnosis.
Treatment is always individualized. It may include behavioral strategies, classroom supports, parent guidance, and healthy lifestyle habits such as consistent routines, good sleep, exercise, and balanced nutrition. In some cases, medication can be a helpful part of the plan when symptoms strongly affect learning or daily life. Our goal is to partner with families to help each child reach their full potential—at school, at home, and everywhere in between.
Interested in Setting up a Consult Visit? Call, email (patientcare@pediatricassociates.net), or send a message in the portal requesting an “ADD/ADHD consult visit” with your primary care provider.
For parents looking to learn more, our providers have created a comprehensive list of PAA’s Mental Health Resources for Parents , featuring trusted books, websites, and podcasts. You’ll find helpful information on topics such as ADHD, anxiety, big emotions, parenting, bullying, and depression.
Parent Guide: Navigating ADD/ADHD Medication Shortages
ADD Medication Policy
Vanderbilt Parent and Teacher Forms
