South Carroll Medical Center
1380 Progress Way, # 101 Eldersburg, MD 21784
Phone: 410-549-5181

Illiano Plaza
1311 S. Main Street, # 202 Mt. Airy, MD 21771
Phone: 301-829-2242
Attention and Learning Disorders

Attention and Learning Disorders Clinic

One of the keys to achieving an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment is to know who is best qualified to help you in your search for answers. At Carroll Counseling Center's Attention and Learning Disorders Clinic we have assembled a group of distinguished professionals. Here you will find psychologists trained in the field of neurological, behavioral, and educational testing, and treatment of these conditions. Child and adult psychiatrists are on site when medication may become part of your treatment.

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a biological disorder that affects 3-5% of school-age children and is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. Children with ADHD often:

  • Have difficulty sustaining attention to tasks or leisure activities
  • Do not seem to listen when spoken to
  • Fail to finish schoolwork or chores
  • Lose personal belongings and forget day-to-day things
  • Are easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
  • Fidget or leave their seat
  • Have difficulty engaging in activities quietly
  • Act as if "driven by a motor"
  • Talk excessively or interrupt others
  • Have difficulty waiting their turn

The onset of ADHD is in early childhood, before the age of 7...

  • Nearly 2/3 of clinically referred children with ADHD have other problems, such as learning disabilities, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, anxiety, and depression
  • Nearly 2/3 of children with ADHD will continue to experience symptoms throughout their lives

Adults can have ADHD, too. If you are an adult experiencing some of these symptoms, you may have ADHD:

  • Disorganized
    		•
  • Impulsive
    		•
  • Easily distracted
    		•
  • Worry needlessly
    		•
  • Mood swings
    		•
  • Poor self-esteem
    		•
  • Chronic procrastination
    		•
  • Difficulty reading and/or writing
    		•
  • Impatient
    		•
  • Sense of insecurity
    		•

    How is ADHD diagnosed?

    Diagnosis is based on a very detailed history. In the case of children the assessment would include observations of the child in various settings (school/home), using standardized behavioral checklists. Intelligence, achievement, and other neuropsychological testing may be required, especially if learning disabilities are suspected. Co-existing conditions contributing to emotional, social or learning difficulties may also be diagnosed. It is important to distinguish ADHD from anxiety, depression and normal, developmentally-appropriate inattention and hyperactivity.

    How can ADHD be treated?

    Our doctors and professional educators offer many services for children and adults with ADHD and learning disorders, including:

    • Using behavioral techniques that improve attention, organization and impulsivity
    • Determining whether medication would be beneficial
    • Advocacy or consultation with teachers or employers to assist in adapting the school or work environment to accommodate needs
    • Teaching parents (or spouses) how to best cope and address some of the more troubling and recurrent ADHD behaviors

      Our 2 locations in Carroll County Maryland are convenient to Frederick MD, Montgomery County, Howard and Baltimore County and Southern PA.

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