Ways Exercise Impacts ADHD Symptoms: ADHD TREAYMENTS | Pathways Psychologists in Toms River New Jersey

5 Ways Exercise Impacts ADHD Symptoms

While medication and psychological therapies are common treatments for ADHD, exercise can also be a powerful tool in helping to alleviate some of the symptoms. 

In fact, exercise modifies levels of brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, in much the same way as ADHD medications do. Below, we explore some of the ways in which exercise can further help individuals with ADHD. Let’s dive in!

ADHD in Adults vs. Children: Exploring the Similarities and Differences

ADHD in Adults vs. Children: Exploring the Similarities and Differences

While ADHD is a condition often associated with childhood, it also affects a significant proportion of the adult population. Research has shown that the global prevalence of ADHD is around 5 to 7.2% in children and between 2.5 and 6.7% in adults. However, the symptoms of ADHD can manifest differently in adulthood compared to childhood. 
So, in this article, we explore the key similarities and differences between ADHD in adults versus children. What should you know?

Can Too Much Screen Time Be Bad For You? ! Psychologist Toms River NJ

Screen Time: How to Balance Digital Interactions for Your ADHD Child

Managing screen time is a difficult task for any parent, but for those who have a child with ADHD, it is extra challenging. Excessive screen time can harm a child’s physical and mental well-being, and this can be more exaggerated for children with ADHD. Research has shown that excessive screen exposure may increase the risk of developing ADHD and exacerbate the severity of symptoms. 

Unfortunately, children with ADHD frequently find it hard to self-regulate, making it difficult for them to limit their own screen time. This means that, as parents, we must help our ADHD children to balance their digital interactions appropriately. In this article, we will look at some practical tips to manage screen time:

3 Dietary Considerations for Children with ADHD |Psychologists | Toms River, NJ | Manahawkin, NJ | Freehold, NJ – Ocean County NJ

Can Nutrition Impact ADHD? How?

Let’s make this clear first: There’s no evidence indicating that diet causes ADHD. However, dietary selections may aggravate ADHD symptoms, such as hyperactivity and difficulty concentrating. 

In this article, we dig into what this means exactly and what dietary choices parents with children diagnosed with ADHD may want to be conscious of.

ADHD Coaching | Toms River, NJ | Manahawkin, NJ | Freehold, NJ - Ocean County NJ

ADHD During the School Year: A Guide for Parents and Teachers

When the school year hits, parents with children diagnosed with ADHD may worry about how this specific school season will go. Interestingly, most teachers wonder the same. So, here are a few tips to manage ADHD during the school year and help your children succeed.

ADHD Coaching | Toms River, NJ | Manahawkin, NJ | Freehold, NJ - Ocean County NJ

How to Find ADHD Coaching

Are you considering ADHD coaching to help your child with their ADHD symptoms? As a parent, we always want the best for our children. Yet, navigating this process might seem a bit overwhelming or daunting, especially at first.

So, let’s consider some of the key aspects of ADHD coaching and discover how it could make a significant difference in your child’s daily life. What should you know?

adhd evaluation

What Does an ADHD Evaluation Involve?

An ADHD evaluation plays a crucial role in providing support and guidance for those experiencing its symptoms. In this article, we’ll explore the process of an ADHD evaluation with compassion, recognizing the importance of empathy and sensitivity in helping individuals navigate this journey of understanding their unique needs.

Does Trouble Concentrating or Staying on Task Always Mean ADHD? | Psychologist - Toms River NJ

Does Trouble Concentrating or Staying on Task Always Mean ADHD?

Does Trouble Concentrating or Staying on Task Always Mean ADHD? | Psychologist - Toms River NJ

Does Trouble Concentrating or Staying on Task Always Mean ADHD?

ADHD is frequently associated with hyperactivity, which usually means a person with this diagnosis struggles to stay on one task for any length of time. But not all individuals with ADHD have this common marker.

While they might be easily distracted, there are also other signs of ADHD which might be more prominent. They may actually have hyperfocus problems, where they experience intense periods of concentration. At the same time, children who are easily distracted don’t necessarily have ADHD. So, how can you tell the difference?

Why Not All Attention Problems Are ADHD

When inquiring into whether or not your child has ADHD, there are a few other diagnoses that must be considered. These include:

  • Anxiety: Anxiety can easily lead to attention problems. Worrying leads to difficulty staying on task. In particular, this may impact children with separation anxiety or social anxiety.
  • OCD: OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) often involves obsessively worrying about something bad happening, which may create distraction issues.
  • Learning Disorders: Learning disorders, such as dyslexia, may also, at first, appear to portray symptoms of ADHD. Yet, with a proper diagnosis, this might not be the case.
  • Trauma or Stress: If your child has gone through a stressful or traumatizing event, they may lose focus or become easily distracted. Some of these outward behaviors may first appear like ADHD. However, again, a proper diagnosis can determine if this is the case.

Diagnosing ADHD

Unfortunately, there isn’t one specific test for ADHD. In fact, there are multiple tests that can indicate the possibility of ADHD. Yet, seeking out professionals who have experience in diagnosing ADHD and other conditions can ensure your child receives the proper diagnosis and treatment.

Typically, evaluations involve the ruling out of other disorders, like anxiety, learning issues, OCD, or stress. If the main symptoms of ADHD are present, such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, with no indication of other conditions at play, a diagnosis may be made. This is often done via the use of testing and other assessment methods.

At Pathways Neuropsychology Associates, our team can help you determine if your child is truly experiencing ADHD or another condition. From there, we can determine the path forward, helping your child pave their way toward success. Contact us today for more information.

 

ADHD vs Autism: Is ADHD a Form of Autism? |Psychologist | Toms River NJ

ADHD vs Autism: Is ADHD a Form of Autism?

Many tend to assume ADHD and autism are the same or associated with one another. The truth is ADHD does not fall on the autism spectrum. Yet, they do have some similar symptoms, which is where the confusion may lie. In fact, being diagnosed with autism may increase one’s chances of having ADHD.

So, let’s explore this in more detail. What do ADHD and autism have in common? How are they different? Let’s find out!

3 Tips for Parenting a Child with ADHD | Psychologist Toms River NJ

3 Tips for Parenting a Child with ADHD

Parenting is a full-time job all on its own. Parenting a child with ADHD can further prove challenging, frustrating, and, at times, overwhelming. However, with the right tactics, it can be easier. So, what should you know? How can you put your best foot forward for your child?