ADHD & Learning Challenges

Joshua D. Feder, M.D.

Child & Family Psychiatry located in Solana Beach, CA

Between 5-11% of Americans are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This common mental health condition disrupts success at school, work as well as your home life. In addition, if your child has developmental or learning challenges, from dyslexia to autism, you want to know that your child has the best possible chance of success. Child and family psychiatrist Joshua D. Feder, M.D., provides expert diagnosis and treatment for ADHD and other educational challenges. He works with your schools and other medical providers to offer your child the best platform for success. If you live in or around Solana Beach, California, and are concerned that your child has ADHD, call Dr. Feder or schedule a consultation online today.

619-417-7506

ADHD & Learning Challenges Q & A

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a common mental health condition that affects millions of children and teenagers. Adults are also affected by ADHD, although their symptoms are different than those commonly displayed by children.

In young people, ADHD is typically identified as predominantly hyperactive or predominantly inattentive, depending on the child’s symptoms and behaviors.

Hyperactive symptoms include:

Fidgeting
Can’t sit still
Runs and plays at inappropriate times
Unable to play quietly
Has trouble waiting for turns
Interrupts others or blurts out answers

Inattentive symptoms include:

Poor attention to detail
Makes careless mistakes
Doesn’t seem to listen
Dislikes or avoids tasks that require concentration
Frequently loses or misplaces items
Disorganized
Easily distracted

It’s also possible that your child might demonstrate a combination of both hyperactive and inattentive ADHD behaviors.

Adults tend to display ADHD behaviors slightly differently. For example, an adult with ADHD may have performance trouble at work, be frequently late, and have relationship problems.

When should I talk to a doctor about ADHD?

It’s normal for your child to run around and be loud, even in inappropriate environments, from time to time. However, if your child’s behaviors are interfering with their success at school or disturbing your life at home, you should schedule a consultation with Dr. Feder for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.

What causes ADHD?

The exact cause of ADHD isn’t fully understood. However, medical researchers and psychiatric specialists believe there is a genetic factor that contributes to the condition.

Other factors that may contribute to ADHD include premature birth, poor maternal health or lifestyle habits such as poor sleep, and brain injuries.

How is ADHD treated?

Dr. Feder begins treatment with a comprehensive assessment and consultation to confirm your child’s diagnosis. If necessary, he performs school observations and interviews your child’s teachers about their behavior.

Dr. Feder creates a customized treatment plan that may include medicine, therapy, and lifestyle modifications for your child. He believes that medication can be helpful, but must be combined with other therapies to help your child learn to control their behaviors and appropriately communicate their emotions and needs.

He also helps you learn behavioral and relationship-based strategies to connect with and interact with your child, such as the Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based (DIR®/Floortime™) Model. The DIR model helps you build a foundation for healthy communication and development, even if your child is still very young.

If you’re concerned about your child’s behavior and think they may have ADHD, call Dr. Feder or schedule a consultation online today.

Educational Challenges Q & A

What challenges will my differently abled child face at school?

Every child with learning or developmental challenges is unique. Each child needs to be evaluated and supported with an individualized education plan (IEP) that addresses their needs in crucial areas of development, including:

Verbal and nonverbal communication
Social interaction
Imaginative or creative play
Sensory processing and Motor Function
Cognitive skills and specific learning supports

In particular, children with developmental disabilities such as ASD may have trouble interacting with teachers, aides, and students in the classroom. They may have difficulty understanding directions and instructions or any non-verbal cues.

However, you can support your child at home and collaborate with Dr. Feder and your school to ensure the teachers and staff have the information and training they need to best serve your child.

For example, in mainstream classrooms, there’s a certain degree of repetition needed to help all children remember concepts and ideas. Children with developmental or learning challenges are often just as capable as other children and still need repetition, but they may need a different approach or variation to ensure they understand the concept.

How can I prepare my child for school?

You can work with Dr. Feder to communicate with your child about what to expect in school. You can play school with them, read to them, and help them learn their letters and numbers before they even start school. With the child-led DIR®/Floortime™ model, you can introduce ideas during this playful and fun interaction. Dr. Feder can provide advice and direct you toward resources to help accomplish this goal.

If your child is older and starting a new school, you can use the communication techniques you practice with the DIR model to talk about change and support them as they transition schools or classrooms.

How can a psychiatrist help my child succeed at school?

Dr. Feder is a nationally leading child psychiatrist with decades of experience and research in helping children with developmental and learning disabilities thrive. He can help you and your child prepare for school or academic changes with therapy sessions, counseling, and a variety of tools to increase interaction and connection with your child.

He provides school consultations and has existing relationships with many of the schools in the Solana Beach and throughout San Diego County. He works with educators to teach them about the DIR/Floortime model and different approaches to working with children with special needs.

If you’re concerned about preparing your child to thrive in an educational setting, call Dr. Feder or schedule an appointment online today.

What we offer