ADD/ADHD:
What You Need to Know
Parents often wonder how to determine if their child's behavior is "normal" or if they might have a problem that needs attention. There are many kinds of learning differences a child might experience. Our diagnosticians are experts at evaluating and determining if there are issues that can be addressed and treated in a friendly, supportive environment.
Each child is different and unique. Pediatricians of Dallas strives to provide comprehensive care through these developmental stages. We offer consultations for developmental delays as well as psycho-educational testing to properly diagnose developmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger's Disorder, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Mood Disorders, and other related learning disabilities.
To best understand your child’s needs, we would recommend a consult to review your child’s history and current symptoms of concern. You can schedule a consult with our diagnostic team, Bright Minds Assessment Center of Dallas. To help aid in the diagnosis of ADHD and learning difference, we have several forms to be completed prior to the visit.
If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, we have a dedicated nurse, Susie Gartman, B.S.N., R.N., to help parents navigate their medical care, medications, and school issues.
Susie Gartman, B.S.N., R.N.
Susie Gartman, B.S.N., R.N., is a licensed Registered Nurse. Due to her love of children, she always knew she would specialize in Pediatric nursing. Susie earned her bachelor’s degree at UTA and has been working for Pediatricians of Dallas since 2002. She has built up years of knowledge on ADHD and other behavioral issues and she wants to share this knowledge with other parents in order to help them help their own children. Our POD doctors were aware of Susie’s first-hand experience and insight into ADHD and behavioral concerns and asked Susie to step into the role of “ADHD nurse” in 2010.
Children diagnosed with ADHD are often very bright. The inability to focus and control their impulses makes it difficult for them to reach their greatest academic potential. These children are already smart! They just need help with their weaknesses associated with ADHD. There are no words to describe the joy parents feel when their child is happy, and their self-esteem improves!
Susie’s role as an ADHD nurse is not only to help our patients’ parents clinically, but also to support them emotionally. She is there to answer parents’ questions or concerns. Sometimes we just need someone to listen and understand. She will work directly with your child’s pediatrician to find the right treatment. It usually isn’t an immediate solution. Each child is unique and will be treated that way. But, when we find that “sweet spot”, it will all have been worth it!
If your child is prescribed medication, these medications are classified as a controlled substance. They cannot be called into the pharmacy. To request a refill, you can call Susie directly at 469-317-1840 or our main number 214-691-3535. Please call five days before the prescription runs out. You can pick it up at the office or we can mail it to you. A driver’s license is required when picking up.
To continue to refill your child’s medicine, two visits are required each year; a well child visit and a follow up visit six months later.
Forms to Aid in Diagnosis of ADHD and Learning Differences
