ADHD Diagnosis ADHD Diagnosis

ADHD Diagnosis

Our pediatrics teams in Chattanooga and Nashville can assess
for and diagnose ADHD in children. Speak with
your pediatrician or family doctor to request a referral.

Siskin’s ADHD Evaluations for Children

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopment disorder in children and is diagnosed more frequently in boys than in girls. The CDC estimates that almost 10% of children between 2 and 17 years old in the United States has been diagnosed with ADHD at some point in their lives. ADHD is a complex disorder with a wide range of symptoms and presentations. To be diagnosed correctly, your child must be seen for an evaluation from a certified developmental-behavioral pediatrician.

Through our Chattanooga and Nashville facilities, we can provide ADHD testing for children within 1-2 months, which is much faster than other pediatric offices, where the average wait time is 6 months to a year. We can evaluate children for ADHD in Chattanooga who are 18 months to 5 years old, and in Nashville for children ages 18 months to 8 years old. We also offer autism diagnosis services and other medical diagnosis services for children. Contact us today to learn more.


How to Request an Appointment

At the Siskin Center for Developmental Pediatrics, we believe that the best care is coordinated care. Therefore, we accept new patients for medical diagnosis and assessments from a referring physician. This provides us with comprehensive medical history and information and maintains continuity with the child’s primary care physician and specialist.

If you have concerns regarding your child’s development, please reach out to your child’s pediatrician or medical care provider and request a referral to the Siskin Center for Developmental Pediatrics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a general term used to describe a range of attention and hyperactivity-related symptoms. There are three main types of ADHD:

  1. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation – children usually have difficulty paying attention, are forgetful, and easily distracted.
  2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation – children usually are restless and fidgety, interrupt others, and act without thinking.
  3. Combined Presentation – children present a mix of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsive symptoms.
What are the main symptoms of ADHD?

ADHD symptoms vary depending on the type of ADHD a child has. Not all children with ADHD will display every symptom, and the severity of symptoms varies from child to child.

Common symptoms of ADHD include:

  1. Inattention – difficulty paying attention to details, following instructions, remembering things, and completing tasks.
  2. Hyperactivity – squirming in seats, excessive running, climbing, or talking.
  3. Impulsivity – difficulty waiting their turn and frequently interrupting others.
What are common treatments for ADHD?

Treatment depends on the type of ADHD the child has. One type of treatment is the use of safe medications. But another component involves learning tools and strategies to improve the child’s abilities to focus, organize, control impulses, etc. These treatments can make dramatic improvements in the child’s life at home, in school, and in social situations.

How do you know if a child has ADHD?

It is difficult to diagnose ADHD in children because most children have trouble sitting still or paying attention at times. This is why a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, who specializes in ADHD and other medical diagnosis, must be seen for an official ADHD diagnosis.

Is ADHD a form of autism?

No, ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is not a form of autism, although the two conditions may share some symptoms and can occur together in some individuals.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a child’s ability to pay attention, control impulsive behaviors, and regulate their activity levels.

Autism, on the other hand, is a spectrum disorder that affects a child’s social communication, social interaction, and repetitive or restrictive behaviors.

While there are similarities between ADHD and autism, the two conditions have distinct diagnostic criteria, and a child can be diagnosed with one, the other, or both conditions. It’s essential to seek a proper evaluation from a medical professional to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Is ADHD a learning disability?

While ADHD is not a learning disability, it can affect a child’s learning and academic performance. ADHD primarily affects a child’s ability to pay attention, regulate activity levels, and control impulsive behaviors. This can make it difficult to follow instructions, focus on assignments, and complete tasks. Working closely with your child’s pediatrician or with Siskin can help your child with his or her performance at school.

Our Medical Team
MSN, CPNP-PC, PMHS
Chattanooga Clinic
M.D., FAAP - Chief Medical Officer
Chattanooga Clinic
M.D.
Chattanooga Clinic
Clinical Therapy Director
Chattanooga Clinic
MSPAS, PA-C
Chattanooga Clinic
M.D., M.S.
Nashville Clinic
Applied Behavior Analysis Services Director
Chattanooga Clinic
M.D.
Chattanooga Clinic