ADHD in Children: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

At the pediatric office of Frank R. Baum, M.D., Inc. in Kahului, HI, families receive thoughtful, personalized care for many childhood health concerns, including ADHD. Dr. Baum and his team understand that attention difficulties can affect a child’s learning, behavior, and emotional well-being. Their practice provides careful evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment options to support children with ADHD and help them thrive.

Recognizing ADHD Symptoms

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, often shows up in early childhood. Children may struggle with focus, act impulsively, or seem unusually restless. Parents often notice signs like frequent daydreaming, difficulty completing tasks, or constant fidgeting that affects school and home life. Every child is different, and some symptoms may be more obvious than others. For example, some children show more inattentive behaviors, while others may be more hyperactive. Dr. Baum and his physician assistant Leesa Foree, PA-C carefully listen to each family’s concerns to understand the child’s full behavior pattern.

How ADHD Is Diagnosed

Diagnosing ADHD takes time and involves a complete picture of the child’s behavior at home, school, and other settings. Dr. Baum and his physician assistant Leesa Foree, PA-C work closely with parents and teachers to gather details about a child’s attention span, behavior, and emotional responses. A physical exam is also done to rule out other causes. In many cases, standardized questionnaires and rating scales help guide the diagnosis. These tools give insight into how often a child experiences specific symptoms and how those symptoms affect their daily life.

Treatment Options and Support

Treating ADHD depends on the child’s age, symptoms, and needs. Dr. Baum may recommend behavioral therapy, parent coaching, or medication as part of a complete care plan. The goal is to help children build focus, manage their impulses, and develop better coping skills. Support from school and family plays a big part in successful treatment. Dr. Baum also partners with educators to make sure children get help in the classroom. Ongoing check-ins ensure that any treatments are working and adjustments are made as needed.

Compassionate ADHD Care in Kahului

Understanding and treating ADHD can change a child’s life. At Frank R. Baum, M.D., Inc. in Kahului, HI, families receive trusted care for ADHD from a team who truly listens. Whether you have questions about your child’s focus or need help navigating treatment, Dr. Baum and his physician assistant Leesa Foree, PA-C are here to guide you. Call (808) 871-7116 today to schedule an appointment.