Working With Doctors

Your child's diagnosis, treatment, and progress depend on clear communication with your child's doctor. So, be sure you are both on the same page throughout the process of evaluation, treatment plan development, and tracking progress. You can make sure your child's doctor is aware of your child's ADHD symptoms by filling out the Symptom Assessment and taking it with you to your child's next appointment.

Below are more tips on how to work with your child's doctor.

Discussing Treatment Options

There are a variety of treatment options for ADHD that your child's doctor may suggest including medication and behavioral therapy. It can be helpful to learn about treatment options before going to your appointment so that you can have a productive discussion with your child's doctor and be prepared with any questions you may have. If you need time to think about your options, tell your child's doctor. Work with the doctor to choose a treatment plan that's right for your child.

Download a Doctor Discussion Guide to help you plan what to say and what to ask the next time you visit the doctor.

Setting Realistic Goals

It is often helpful to set small goals that are based on your child's ADHD symptoms. After a period of time, you can use specific goals to assess how well your child's treatment plan is working. You and your child's doctor will need to set these goals together. If the treatment plan is working, you can set new goals. If not, you can reassess the plan and try something new.

Measuring Treatment Progress

Once you have a treatment plan in place and established goals, talk to your child's doctor about how to measure progress. You may want to register to use the Progress Tracker, which allows you to track your child's progress on goals you've set for him or her. Or your child's doctor may want you and your child's teachers to fill out assessment scales, both before and during treatment. Learn more about tracking progress.