COULD I HAVE MISSED ADHD SIGNS?

Ask Maria Elena is a bi-weekly feature in which practicing Wayne psychotherapist Maria Elena will answer reader's questions on topics of importance to children and raising families.

Dear Maria Elena:

I suspect my son who is 19 and in college has ADHD. Who would I go to see to determine this? Is it possible I missed this all of these years?

Signed: Confused

Dear Confused:

There are a variety of different disciplines that can provide this diagnosis and possible treatment options for your son. In my opinion, the best first line of defense would be taking your son to a psychiatrist or a neurologist. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who treats the brain and can prescribe medication if necessary. A neurologist also specializes in the brain and the central nervous system.

After your son sees one of these disciplines you can discuss different treatment options with the doctor, such as pharmacological and/ or therapeutic intervention. It is possible that you missed it for a variety of reasons. The important thing is that you realize it now and will get your son the treatment that he needs.

Maria Elena is a psychotherapist with a certification in school psychology. She sees adults, adolescents and children in her practice. To submit a question for a future column, email Maria Elena at askmariaelena@aol.com. Maria Elena can be reached at 973-903-1109. All submissions are confidential. Not all questions may be answered.