Children's Mercy

ADHD affects more than 6.4 million children and adolescents, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Characterized by impulsive behaviors, hyperactivity and an inability to pay attention, ADHD can greatly impact a child's ability to perform daily activities. Through the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Sciences at Children's Mercy Kansas City, children and parents receive the tools necessary to control ADHD. COMPREHENSIVE CARE The first step toward successful ADHD treatment involves a correct diagnosis. At Children's Mercy, parents participate in a diagnostic interview that includes information regarding the onset and severity of symptoms, as well as the degree of impairment a child is experiencing. Each child's teacher also receives a diagnostic scale, which offers a clearer picture of how the child's behavior compares to his peers. Following an ADHD diagnosis, parents choose one of three evidence-based protocols: medication management, behavioral training or a combination of the two, which is considered the gold-standard treatment. (DAY) CAMPING FOR A PURPOSE If the unstructured days of summer make the transition to a new school year especially difficult for your child, the Children's Mercy Summer Treatment Program, an intensive, structured day camp specifically for children with ADHD, may offer an answer. The Summer Treatment Program incorporates a set of evidence-based treatments into an award-winning, eight- week therapeutic summer day camp. A typical day for children includes an hour of art, two hours in a classroom and playing outdoor sports in a tightly controlled environment for the remainder of their nine-hour camp day. If children take ADHD medication, the medication's effectiveness also is evaluated and adjustments are recommended, as necessary. According to Carla Allan, PhD, Child Psychologist at Children's Mercy Kansas City and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the UMKC School of Medicine, children complete the equivalent of 330 hours of individualized therapy over the period of eight weeks, which would take six years to finish during an average once-weekly outpatient therapy program. "The Summer Treatment Program makes the transition from summer to school easier, reduces the likelihood that children will lose academic knowledge during the summer and helps children with ADHD improve their social skills," Dr. Allan says. "Parents also leave feeling more in control and ready to advocate for their child." The 2014 Summer Treatment Program for ADHD is scheduled for June 2 through July 25. Space is very limited, so please call (913) 696-5748 for more information about the application process. ADHD Management "Sometimes, parents fear medication is the first and only option for ADHD, so they do not bring their child for an evaluation. If left untreated, however, ADHD poses serious risks to development. For families looking for medication alternatives, we offer behavioral training that, with time and effort, can be just as effective." —Carla Allan, PhD, Child Psychologist at Children's Mercy Kansas City and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the UMKC School of Medicine Although a diagnosis of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder is often troubling for parents, it's important to remember that with proper treatment, children with ADHD can achieve success in school and lead happy, productive lives. 6 Safe & Sound Spring 2014

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