The Importance of Early Detection: Pediatric ADHD Screening

Dr. Art Quintanilla is an experienced, licensed, board-certified pediatric medical doctor with over 30 years of experience in general pediatrics, neonatal medicine, ADHD screening, and quality child healthcare. He sees patients daily at Rancho Mirage Pediatrics in Rancho Mirage, CA, providing numerous services. 

One of his areas of expertise lies in early diagnosis and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children. He firmly believes that early detection of this condition through screening is vital so our doctor can recommend the best treatment options early.

Why Is Early Detection of Pediatric Hyperactivity So Important?

Rancho Mirage Pediatrics in Rancho Mirage, CA, explains that early detection of childhood ADHD is necessary for the health and well-being of the child as this condition affects the child's life in every way. 

At least five officially recognized symptoms must be present in your child for at least six months to consider a diagnosis of ADHD. Symptoms must be present in all environments and may change as the child develops. Some common reasons children get screened for ADHD include the following traits:

• Can't pay attention, follow directions, wait their turn
• Unfocused
• Fidgets, restless, excessively talking
• Makes careless mistakes
• Unorganized, loses things
• Forgetful
• Acts impulsively
• Interrupts, intrudes in others' space

 You may find it difficult to decide if your child's actions are typical for their age group or if your child has a problem. Children are bright; some know they are different from their peers but don't know why.

Benefits of Early Detection (early detection is possible at age 4 years.)

• Start treatment options early
• Helps reduce symptoms
• Avoids school suspensions
• Introduces different learning concepts
• Allows for special education techniques
• Uncovers unknown health issues like hearing loss, vision deficits, sleep deprivation
• Decreases the risk of injuries
• Cultivates stronger social skills
• Monitors the success of various treatment options
• Improves a child's self-esteem
• Gives parents time to adjust and learn different positive child training concepts to handle negative behaviors

 Seeking a Leading California Pediatric Doctor?

Call Dr. Quintanilla today at 760-770-0000 at Rancho Mirage Pediatrics in Rancho Mirage, CA, and schedule your new patient ADHD consultation. If you are an established patient, and you believe your child exhibits signs and symptoms, please call us for an appointment as soon as possible. 

Early detection of this disorder means a higher rate of successful treatment. We follow screening guidelines set by the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.