What is AD/HD?
AD/HD is fundamentally a behavioral disorder (with Neuro-Chemical Influences) that usually leads to social/interpersonal and educational/work problems.
There are three types of AD/HD:
AD/HD- Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, characterized by chronic symptoms of: Impulsivity, Inattentiveness, Emotionally Over-reactive, Anger-Temper Problems, Disorganized- Forgetful, Physically Overactive, Noncompliance/Oppositional
AD/HD- Inattentive Type, characterized by chronic symptoms of: Concentration Problems, Disorganization, Motivation Difficulties/Procrastination, Difficulty Sustaining Energy, Short-Term Memory Problems, Daydreaming/Spacey Behaviors, Slow or Sluggishness, Forgetfulness
AD/HD-Combined Type, characterized by chronic symptoms of both the Hyperactive-Impulsive and Inattentive Types.
Untreated AD/HD Can Affect Someone’s Life:
- Emotionally (Greater Risk for depression)
- Socially (Peer & Relationship Problems)
- Educationally (Underachievement/Academic Problems)
- Vocationally (Job Losses, Job Difficulties)
- Family (Higher Conflict With Spouse & Children)
What can be done?
Assessment: The most effective treatment of AD/HD is built on the foundation of a careful and accurate assessment. Just because it looks like AD/HD does not mean it is! We are constantly striving to utilize the latest and most reliable instruments for assessing AD/HD and related problems in children & Adults.
Treatment for AD/HD: Long standing research indicates that the successful treatment of AD/HD includes “multi-modal” elements:
- Education
- Behavioral Strategies
- Counseling – couples, individual, family, group
- Parent Training
- Emotional/Interpersonal Support
- Academic or Job Interventions
- Vocational/career Counseling
- “Coaching” for Support & Direction
- Medication (when helpful & decided upon by the client, therapist & medical doctor)
- Resource Groups (such as www.CHADD.org)
Our Services
Assessments/Evaluations, Parent Training, Medical Referral, Adult, Individual & Couples Counseling, Child, Adolescent & Family Counseling, In-Service and School Consultation, Speaker’s Bureau, Vocational Testing & Counseling
AD/HD Evaluations
The assessment for Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder is based on the input of multiple sources (child, adult, parent, teacher, spouse).
The evaluation often begins with an initial consultation to determine if a behavioral pattern consistent with AD/HD is present. Since a diagnosis is based on more than the presence of symptoms, several factors must be considered:
- a behavioral pattern that is consistent with AD/HD. We need to see more than attention problems
- behaviors must be long-term and chronic– nobody catches AD/HD as an adult
- behaviors must be appearing to a greater degree than the norm
- behaviors are not better explained by something else– like emotional issues
- behaviors cause impairment in some area of functioning– they get in the way at home, school, work, etc.
We accomplish this through clinical interviews, gathering behavior rating scales & feedback, administering a Computerized Performance test, carefully gathering medical, social, developmental, family, and academic histories, and reviewing past reports and school records when possible.
Time is spent providing feedback, direction, answering questions, educating and treatment planning. A detailed report is provided summarizing the findings.
Our Staff
Evaluations are performed by:
Brad Olson, Psy. D., M. Div.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
847- 577- 4530, Ext.15
Dr. Bradley Olson, Psy.D.,M.Div. : Brad.TheArlingtonCenter@gmail.com
Daniel Goff, Psy. D.
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
847- 577- 4530, Ext.18
Dr. Daniel Goff, Psy.D. : Dan.TheArlingtonCenter@gmail.com