Preparing for an appointment

You're likely to start by taking your child to a family doctor or pediatrician. Depending on the results of the initial evaluation, your doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, psychologist, psychiatrist or pediatric neurologist.

What you can do

To prepare for your child's appointment:

• Make a list of any symptoms and difficulties your child has at home or at school.
• Prepare key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
• Make a list of all medications, vitamins, herbs or other supplements that your child is taking and the dosages.
• Bring any past evaluations and results of formal testing, if you have them, and school report cards.
• Make a list of questions to ask your child's doctor.

Questions to ask your child's doctor may include:

• Other than ADHD, what are possible causes for my child's symptoms?
• What kinds of tests does my child need?
• What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
• What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
• My child has other health problems. How can I best manage these conditions together?
• Should my child see a specialist?
• Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing for my child?
• What types of side effects can we expect from the medication?
• Are there any printed materials that I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask questions anytime you don't understand something.

What to expect from your doctor

Be ready to answer questions your doctor may ask, such as:

• When did you first notice your child's behavior issues?
• Do the troubling behaviors occur all the time or only in certain situations?
• How severe are your child's difficulties at home and at school?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your child's behavior?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your child's behavior?
• Does your child consume caffeine? How much?
• What are your child's sleep hours and patterns?
• How is your child's current and past academic performance?
• Does your child read at home? Does he or she have trouble reading?
• What discipline methods have you used at home? Which ones are effective?
• Describe who lives at home and a typical daily routine.
• Describe your child's social relationships at home and at school.

Your doctor or mental health professional will ask additional questions based on your responses, symptoms and needs. Preparing and anticipating questions will help you make the most of your time with the doctor.