Programs & Services

The ADHD program and clinics at Barrow Neurological Institute (BNI) at Phoenix Children’s work with children as young as 5 and adolescents up to 18 years of age. We collaborate across specialties to diagnose and treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and related conditions. Our clinical care also includes a wide array of family-centered services and support.

Consultation Services for ADHD

Our doctors and care team will guide your child’s doctors or other care providers to support your child’s progress. We teach medical professionals about how to diagnose and manage ADHD, including:

• Use of standardized tools to assess and measure ADHD symptoms
• Leading-edge research news and updates about ADHD
• Information about science-supported therapies for ADHD
• How to access ADHD resources, including community services and programs

Diagnosing ADHD

Developmental pediatricians evaluate your child for different types of ADHD and symptoms, including:

• Difficulty with school and social interactions
• Distractibility
• Forgetfulness
• Hyperactivity
• Impulsiveness and self-regulation
• Short attention span

Your child receives a thorough medical evaluation to identify related health conditions that may contribute to developmental delays. We offer psychological testing to evaluate emotional or behavioral problems and other testing to assess ADHD and related or contributing conditions and concerns.

ADHD Diagnostic Clinic

Phoenix Children’s ADHD Diagnostic Clinic specializes in diagnosing children and adolescents. General and developmental pediatrics program leaders at Phoenix Children’s collaborate to offer trusted evaluation and treatment of children who may have ADHD.

We evaluate your child for conditions commonly associated with ADHD, including:

• Anxiety  
• Disruptive behavior
• Executive functioning disorders
• Learning disorders
• Mood disorders
• Speech and language problems

Your child’s doctors will talk about whether your child may benefit from additional testing or therapies for ADHD or other conditions and behavioral or emotional problems.

ADHD Medication Management Clinic

Some kids don’t have a primary care doctor with the expertise to prescribe appropriate medical therapies for ADHD. Phoenix Children’s Medication Management Clinic offers individualized consultation and treatment options for children with ADHD, including:

• Medication management
• Parent and child education regarding ADHD

Services include guidance for doctors whose patients take ADHD medication. Your child’s referring pediatrician or family physician can schedule an appointment for your child.

ADHD Treatment Options

Our doctors will talk with you and collaborate with your child’s care providers to create a customized treatment plan. We work closely with you and your child to watch and manage progress. Doctors change or adjust ADHD medication and other therapies as needed to see which approaches are most effective for your child.

Treatment plans for children with ADHD may include:

• Medical therapies
• Medication management
• Occupational therapy
• Parent and child education about ADHD
• Physical therapy
• Psychological therapy
• Speech and language therapy

If your child has a related learning or behavioral disorder, we may recommend special classes or other individualized therapies as part of a comprehensive care plan.

Research 

Barrow at Phoenix Children’s is nationally recognized for research that improves our understanding of a wide array of neurodevelopmental conditions. We work with other academic leaders to do scientific studies that translate to better care for children with ADHD and related neurological conditions.

Support and Resources

We know that ADHD can make day-to-day life stressful for kids and families. We put you in touch with a wide range of resources and support, including counseling for families, social services, support groups and educational resources.

We can also refer you to additional services at Phoenix Children’s and community programs. Ask your care team if you have questions or concerns. You can learn more about ADHD and related topics in our online health library.

What to Expect

Your referring pediatrician or family physician can make an appointment for our services. Our ADHD clinic appointments usually take longer than a routine doctor's appointment. Please plan to spend one to two hours with us for a thorough evaluation.