We’ve all heard of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but many don’t understand just how complex and debilitating it can be.
Do any of these sound like you or your child?
- Frequently lose things
- Procrastinate
- Messy and Disorganized
- Restless
- Fail to Turn in Homework
- Careless
- Seemingly Lazy
- Forgetful
- “Hyperfocus” at times; Inattentive at other times
- Problems Following Directions
We all have problems paying attention, sitting still, and acting impulsively at times. For some people, however, these problems are so severe that they interfere with home life, school, relationships, and work.
ADHD is the most prevalent neurological disorder in children and highly related to genetics. While a diagnosis requires that symptoms were present in childhood, about 75% of children with ADHD will have symptoms in adulthood. Adult ADHD can be debilitating to work and relationships.
While inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, are at its core, people with ADHD present a variety of symptoms that have generated many misconceptions, contradictions, and biases. Common misconceptions about ADHD include that people with ADHD can’t be productive, are unmotivated, or lazy. In fact, people with ADHD also have unique abilities that can benefit them when understood and leveraged.
People with ADHD can be tremendously successful professionally and personally. However, ADHD diagnosis, understanding, advocacy, and treatment are extremely important. Our psychologists and therapists understand the nuances of ADHD and can help support you or your child.
Students with a warranted diagnosis of ADHD are eligible for accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Common accommodations for students with ADHD include additional time on exams and assignments, distraction free environments for study and work, and note takers in classes.
Those with ADHD may also be eligible for additional time on exams such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, MCAT, LSAT, and GMAT. ADHD evaluations are almost always required when requesting extended time from standardized test administrators.
If you’re looking for ADHD testing in Chicago, Tandem Psychology’s neuropsychological evaluations may be the solution for you.
ADHD may masquerade as related conditions such as:
- Learning Disorders
- Behavior Problems
- Autism
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Language Deficits
- Brain Injury
- Alcohol and Substance Abuse
- Sleep Problems
- Relationship Problems
- Memory Problems
Our psychologists identify a specific battery of neuropsychological tests to understand underlying brain functioning. These objective tests provide objective and meaningful information in order to ensure diagnostic accuracy, enhance intervention and treatment selection, and provide a roadmap for ADHD support.
ADHD doesn’t have to impact you or your child’s life. Working with a competent ADHD therapist can help manage many of the symptoms of ADHD.
CBT and family therapy are effective, research tested approaches to treating ADHD. Our ADHD therapists can help you or your child reduce distractibility, reduce procrastination, improve time management and organizational skills, develop better problem solving skills, improve self-esteem, control your temper, and reduce impulsive behavior.
If you’re looking for help with ADHD, please schedule an in-person appointment at our Lakeview offices or a telehealth appointment to meet virtually. Our psychologists can provide neuropsychological testing to accurately diagnose ADHD and our team of exceptionally trained and experienced ADHD therapists are ready to help you overcome the challenges of ADHD.