Understanding ADHD in Children and Teens

Children with ADHD are often described as bright, creative, and energetic, and also as “not listening,” “careless,” or “not working up to their potential.” Parents may hear the same feedback from teachers year after year, or notice that homework time has become a nightly battle. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects executive functioning: the brain’s ability to plan, organize, focus, and regulate behavior. It is not a result of bad parenting or a lack of effort.

ADHD can look different depending on the child. Some kids are visibly restless and impulsive. Others, often girls, are quieter and more inattentive, and their struggles can go unnoticed for years.

Common experiences include:

• Difficulty paying attention in class or following multi-step directions

• Frequently losing homework, school supplies, or personal items

• Trouble getting started on tasks or finishing them

• Fidgeting, difficulty staying seated, or seeming constantly “on the go”

• Interrupting, blurting out answers, or difficulty waiting their turn

• Big emotional reactions, frustration, or meltdowns over small setbacks

• Struggles with friendships or feeling “different” from peers

• In teens: falling behind as academic demands increase, chronic lateness, or impulsive choices

My Approach to ADHD Treatment

ADHD treatment for young people works best when it supports the whole child: at home, at school, and in their relationships. I take a family-centered, comprehensive approach that may include:

Thorough Evaluation: A detailed assessment drawing on input from you, your child, and when helpful, teachers and other providers. I’ll also look for co-occurring concerns such as anxiety, learning differences, sleep problems, or mood difficulties, which frequently accompany, or are misdiagnosed as ADHD. Since many issues can lead to attention problems in children, I want to make sure that the diagnosis of ADHD is given thoughtfully, and attentional challenges that are being noticed are specifically caused by ADHD and not something else.

Medication Management: When appropriate, medication can be highly effective for children and teens with ADHD. I’ll talk through the options with you, start carefully, and monitor closely for benefits and side effects, adjusting as your child grows. Medication is always a joint decision between myself, you, and your child (when developmentally appropriate).

Parent Guidance: Parents are essential partners in treatment. I’ll help you understand how ADHD affects your child and offer practical strategies for routines, homework, transitions, and managing frustration at home.

School Support: Many children with ADHD benefit from classroom accommodations. I can help you navigate 504 plans and IEPs, provide supporting documentation, and coordinate with your child’s school when appropriate.

Helping Your Child Understand Themselves: Kids and teens with ADHD often internalize the message that they’re “bad” or “not smart.” An important part of treatment is helping them understand how their brain works, build confidence, and recognize their strengths.

What to Expect

The intake for children and adolescents is completed in three parts:

Part 1: Parent Session (60 minutes)
We’ll meet without your child to talk through your concerns, your child’s developmental, medical, and school history, and your family’s goals.

Part 2: Child Session (60 minutes)
I’ll meet with your child or teen to get to know them directly: how they see things, what feels hard, and what’s going well.

Part 3: Feedback Session (30 minutes)
About one week later, we’ll meet again to go over my impressions and talk through treatment options together.

Between sessions, I’ll review any records you share, such as report cards, prior testing, or teacher rating scales, and, with your permission, speak with outside providers involved in your child’s care.

From there, we’ll develop a treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs. This might include medication, regular follow-ups to monitor progress, parent guidance, and coordination with school. For some children, I may also recommend psychoeducational testing, therapy, or coaching alongside psychiatric care.

Who I Work With

I work with children, adolescents, and their families in New York City and beyond. Whether your elementary schooler is struggling to keep up in class, your middle schooler is overwhelmed by a new level of independence, or your teen is having a hard time managing high school demands, I’m here to help your family make sense of it.

Getting Started

If you think your child might have ADHD, or if their current treatment isn't working as well as it could, I'd be glad to meet with you in person at our office in New York City, or virtually. With the right understanding and support, children with ADHD can thrive at school, at home, and in their friendships.