ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a common chronic illness in children. Most children do have times when their behavior is challenging. They may not concentrate on the task at hand, become distracted, talk out of turn, fidget, or be in constant motion. However, for some children, this is an everyday occurrence that occurs at school and at home. Children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have behavior problems that are so frequent and severe that they interfere with their ability to live normal lives.

JMA's ADHD Program

At Jeffers, Mann & Artman Pediatrics we have an ADHD Program to help these children, teenagers and their parents manage symptoms. As a parent, you play an important role in providing treatment so your child can be successful.

Before Your Appointment

If your child has not yet been diagnosed with ADHD, but is inattentive and needs evaluation, please follow the steps below prior to scheduling an ADHD appointment.

1. We can best help you and your child if your child has been evaluated by a licensed psychologist prior to your visit with our office.
   Local Licensed Psychologists who evaluate children for ADHD
2. Please read the Parent Letter prior to scheduling an ADHD appointment with JMA Pediatrics
   ADHD Parents Letter
3. Parent Vanderbilt Assessment forms (to be completed by parents) prior to visiting on CHADIS website. If you are new to the CHADIS website, you will need to set up an account. The invitation code is: 9197865001. Once your account is set up and you are logged in, select the "Attention/Learning Issues" category to complete the appropriate forms.
4. Teacher Vanderbilt Assessment forms (to be completed by at least 2 teachers who know how your child behaves in the classroom) prior to the visit. Teachers can also register and complete these forms on the CHADIS website.

Vanderbilt Forms

Parent and Teacher Vanderbilt forms can also be printed, completed and faxed to our office prior to your child's visit if necessary.

Vanderbilt Forms PDFs

JMA's Recommendations

If your child has already been diagnosed with Inattentive or Hyperactive type ADHD, we recommend comprehensive ADHD evaluations every six months (in addition to yearly well-child check-ups).  This includes the following:

1. Reassessment of Vanderbilt Scores by parents. If there are ongoing school concerns, Vanderbilt Scores from Teachers may also be helpful. Please log on to the CHADIS website to complete the following forms prior to your visit. If you are a "new user", you will need to set up your account. The invitation code is 9197865001. Once our account is set up and you are logged in, select the "Attention/Learning Issues Follow-up" category to complete the appropriate. If you are unable to complete the forms online, you can print, complete and fax the forms to our office prior to your visit.

   Vanderbilt Forms PDFs

2. Medication updates or changes if necessary
3. Screening for medication side-effects
4. Evaluation for disorders which sometimes occur in children with ADHD - depression, anxiety, oppositional behaviors, obsessive or compulsive behaviors

Educational Resources

Please visit the following educational handouts and websites for more ADHD information.

• Your ADHD Program - Preparing for Your Appointment
• What is ADHD - Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder is a common medical condition in both children and adolescents
• Tips for children with ADHD Disorder - At home and at school there are strategies you can implement to help your child
• CHADD - Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder