ADD

 

Attention Deficit Disorder is characterized by symptoms of lack of focus, difficulty retaining information and a failure to complete tasks.  It can result in academic struggle as well as parental frustration with a child for “always forgetting things.”

 

ADHD

 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is characterized by symptoms of lack of focus, difficulty retaining information and a failure to complete tasks.  In addition the child can be very hyperactive and have poor impulse control.  It can result in academic struggle, poor interpersonal relationships and disruptive behavior in a classroom setting.

 

Depression

 

Depression in children and teens is characterized by depressed or irritable mood, lack of motivation, sleep dysregulation, changes in energy and concentration and in severe cases suicidal thoughts and behaviors.  It can result in changes in personality, academic struggle, and social isolation from friends and family.

 

Anxiety

 

Anxiety is characterized by excessive worry or nervousness about day to day things, unrealistic fears, difficulty attempting new things and sometimes severe anxiety attacks.  Anxiety can result in poor coping with adversity, school refusal, failure to perform to ones potential and difficulty making friends.

 

Autism Spectrum Disorder

 

Autism is characterized by difficulty with interpersonal relationships, delays in language development and odd or unusual repetitive behaviors.  It can result in very narrow areas of interest, difficulty with peer relationships and multiple areas of delayed development— communication, socially and academically.  It may require multiple types of intervention at the school and family level.

 

Behavior Disorders

 

This broad category can include problems with disruptive school behaviors, oppositional behavior with adults, and interpersonal issues with peers.  Interventions can include evaluation for different conditions that may benefit from medication intervention and recommendations for family and/or individual counseling.