 
In today's fast-paced, and often hectic lives, families are stretched to the limit. Schedules, academic pressures, social obligations, and blended and separate living arrangements are but a few of the challenges that families face. Children's exposure to technology and social networking has accelerated and taken a path untraveled by their parents. Parents are faced with feedback about their child and their performance from multiple sources. Sometimes they hear that the teacher or guidance counselor believes their child shows signs of AD/HD. How, then, are parents supposed to keep up, monitor, and lead their children, much less understand a potential medical condition that impacts so much of their child's life and academic potential?
Attention-deficit Disorder (AD/HD), with and without hyperactivity is a diagnosable condition representing over 40 years of research, testing, and treatment options. While many parents struggle with decisions around medicine and the public struggles over their beliefs about possible over-diagnosing of this disorder, neurological and medical research clearly indicates AD/HD to be a valid and diagnosable condition. While the myths surrounding AD/HD can make a proper diagnosis difficult, the diagnostic criteria for an AD/HD diagnosis is medically clear.
Untreated and undiagnosed AD/HD carries serious and long-term consequences for children and families. Children with this condition can be accident prone with poor driving habits in their teenage years; can be prone to social inappropriateness or over-socializing, depending on temperament and personality; can be unsuccessful in school and academic endeavors; can be prone to drug taking and alcohol abuse; and more. Research shows that medical management of AD/HD does not predict illicit drug use later in life. Instead, the research shows that untreated AD/HD children are more likely to experiment with illicit drugs and alcohol and have heightened risk-taking behaviors. Clearly, when the suggestion is made that AD/HD may be a contributing factor to academic or emotional failure, it is vital that parents have someone to turn to that they can trust to help them sort out this issue, assist with determining whether their child does or does not have an AD/HD diagnosis, and assist them in making important decisions about treatment alternatives. Diagnosing AD/HD is a professional process that requires intellectual and academic testing; observations; feedback from schools, administrators, and parents; physical examinations and coordination with pediatricians; and clinical interviews.
Bay Centre offers a comprehensive team of professionals trained in the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of AD/HD. We work with our parents and students, as well as the support systems that are part of their lives, to create a comprehensive developmental plan that starts with proper assessment and ends with a developmental success plan that we follow to insure the highest levels of success. Whether the student is diagnosed with AD/HD or not, professionals at Bay Centre are able to isolate whatever conditions are impacting our students and families and to assist them in making critical decisions about creating integrated and individualized solutions.
ADDtheFamily represents the comprehensive set of services surrounding the issue of Attention-deficit Disorder, with or without hyperactivity. Our process for assisting our families with this issue is as follows:
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an initial and comprehensive psycho-social intake with the parent(s): Our parents are the key to our understanding of their child. During this 1 1/2 hour intake, we begin the process of getting to know their child. We solicit feedback about their medical and development history, their academic and social history, and their family dynamics and history. Comprehensive background information is needed to rule out certain conditions that may or may not be representative of AD/HD characteristics. Releases are obtained, with the parents' permission, so that we may get medical and school records as well as the Conner's and BASC behavioral checklists.
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a full intellectual and academic assessment is administered (or copies obtained where testing has been done within the current year): AD/HD can have a particular profile within test results. In addition, clinicians are able to observe test-taking behaviors that contribute to our understanding of how the child performs.
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a multi-disciplinary staffing is conducted by Bay Centre professionals who review test results, teacher and parent observations, psycho-social intake, and clinical observations. Our team is made up of certified academic coaches, licensed school psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, licensed speech language pathologists, and various certified academic specialists, such as certified reading specialists, etc. Together, we determine the specific condition impacting our clients and layout a specific and targeted Personal Success Plan.
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a parent staffing is conducted in which our professionals share their assessment results and findings, as well as the integrated solutions resulting from those findings. We then present an individualized and integrated Personal Success Plan that is specifically created for their child. It contains a proposal of services that specifically addresses their child's challenges and how we intend to remediate the situation. Often we offer guarantees based on what the proposal aims to accomplish.
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programs or integrated solutions are executed and measured for success. We also coordinate and solicit feedback from teachers and school staff so that we can work together to insure academic and social success.
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a post evaluation is conducted to measure gains and meet guarantees.
What if my child has AD/HD but is doing well in school? Grades are not an issue but getting along with others is a struggle? What can you do for my child in this case?
It is not uncommon to have students who are able to function successfully in academic settings but who struggle to understand the social skills necessary for creating and maintaining personal relationships. Bay Centre offers a social skills training program that helps young people to understand the components of successful social interactions, smart decision making, and healthy communications.
What is my next step?
Call Bay Centre today to discuss our services or to schedule your initial intake. You may contact us at parentsupport@baycentre.net or call us at (850) 438-4292. We know you are committed to your child's academic and personal success. We offer solutions that make your job a lot easier.
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AD/HD Solutions | ADDtheFamily | ADDtheLove | ADDtheWork | ADHD Myths | Diagnostic Criteria for ADHD |
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QUOTES
"A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes." Hugh Downs
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The average age for diagnosis of AD/HD is 3 or 4 years of age.
Hyperactive children are constantly in motion.
Hyperactive children sometimes have trouble sleeping
One-third of AD/HD children are not hyperactive
AD/HD students may have a hard time adjusting to rules and structure. This makes school difficult for them.
Mild AD/HD can go unnoticed in verbally gifted girls
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