Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, more commonly known as ADD/ADHD, are conditions that can be difficult to diagnose as well as treat. Found in both children and adults, they can not only make the learning process in school much more difficult, but also affect a person socially as well. To make sure a child or adult receives the best treatment for their disorder, it’s imperative to find a qualified ADD/ADHD specialist who has a thorough understanding of the condition and is committed to obtaining the best results. However, before deciding on which specialist to use, it’s best to take a number of factors into consideration.
How Many Clients Have They Treated?
When speaking with a potential ADD/ADHD specialist, it’s important to find out just how many clients with ADD/ADHD they have treated. While it may not be impossible to get good results from an inexperienced specialist, chances are the outcome will be better if working with someone who has extensive experience in the field.
How Long Have They Been Working With ADD/ADHD Patients?
Generally, if a specialist has many years of experience in the field, it means they have had success with their clients. Never be afraid to ask this question, since it sends the message that you expect results. If possible, ask for references and speak with others who have used the services of this specialist. Many times, you’ll find out things you probably never could in a normal interview.
What is Their Assessment Process?
In many cases, it is the assessment process of the ADD/ADHD specialist that determines the confidence in which the diagnosis is made. When asking this question, be specific and ask about certain accepted assessment and treatment processes and techniques. We use clinical interviews with the individual, computer-based testing of attention and focus (Conners CPT) and other measures of executive functioning.
Do They Use a Holistic Treatment Approach?
If a specialist uses a holistic approach, that means they are very open to using a number of proven treatments with their patients. For example, they may feel that a behavior modification treatment program would work best, and would opt for using those techniques over possibly prescribing certain medications. By emphasizing mind, body, and soul, a holistic specialist may in fact achieve far better results over time.