ADHD & School Failure Specialist

Forest Pediatrics

Pediatrics located in The Woodlands, TX & Montgomery, TX

Symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD can have a far-reaching impact on your child, especially in their success at school. Murray Fershtman, MD, a board-certified pediatrician, and the staff at Forest Pediatrics have many years of experience diagnosing and treating ADHD and school failure in children and adolescents, even through their college years. If your child has difficulty staying focused on schoolwork or their restlessness is causing school failure, you can find help by calling the office in The Woodlands, Texas, or by requesting an appointment online today.

ADHD & School Failure Q & A

How does ADHD cause school failure?

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects a child’s concentration and ability to focus. The condition also causes a child to be persistently restless. 

Both of these ADHD symptoms can greatly impact your child’s ability to pay attention and sit still in school. These behaviors can also disrupt other members of the class and lead to failure in school and frequent disciplinary action. 

When should I seek medical help for ADHD?

Symptoms of ADHD are often typical of young children. Kids that are preschool age and younger have a short attention span and frequently move from one activity to another. 

However, when these symptoms begin interfering with your child’s classwork, homework, and success at school, it’s time to schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Forest Pediatrics.

You should also schedule a pediatric consultation with Dr. Fershtman if you notice your child is struggling to maintain friendships or is having self-esteem issues because of their difficulties at school.

What causes ADHD?

The underlying cause of ADHD isn’t well understood, but your child’s genetics, central nervous system function, and environment may all play a role. 

Your child may be at an increased risk of developing ADHD due to:

  • Premature birth
  • Maternal drug or alcohol use during pregnancy
  • Family history of ADHD or mental health issues
  • Exposure to lead and other environmental toxins

Dr. Fershtman offers in-office evaluations of your child’s behaviors and reviews your child’s performance at school to confirm or rule out ADHD. He works closely with you, other members of your family, your child’s caregiver, and teachers to better understand the root cause of the behavioral issues. 

How is ADHD treated to avoid school failure?

To help your child manage their ADHD symptoms and improve their relationships and their success at school, Dr. Fershtman designs a treatment plan for their specific needs. 

Your child’s treatment plan for ADHD and school failure may include a combination of cognitive therapy, behavioral therapy, and services to support their education. 

In some cases, medications help reduce the severity of ADHD symptoms by rebalancing the chemicals of the brain (neurotransmitters). Both short-acting and long-acting medications are available from Forest Pediatrics, and Dr. Fershtman continues to work with your child to determine the right dosage. He has extensive experience diagnosing and treating ADHD in children, adolescents, and young adults in their college years.

ADHD and school failure do not have to coexist. If you have concerns about your child’s behavior or failure at school, schedule an ADHD evaluation online or by calling Forest Pediatrics today.