Understanding ADHD in Kids and Teens: Signs, Support, and a Compassionate Approach

At Evora for Kids, we understand how challenging — and often overwhelming — it can be to navigate concerns about your child’s attention, behavior, or school performance. Many families come to us wondering, Is this just a phase? Or could it be something more?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in childhood, affecting about 10% of school-aged children in the U.S. It impacts attention, impulse control, and emotional regulation — and it looks different in every child.

What ADHD Can Look Like

ADHD isn’t just about “being hyper.” In fact, some kids with ADHD aren’t hyper at all. The signs can vary widely:

  • Trouble staying focused, especially on tasks that aren’t interesting

  • Daydreaming, zoning out, or appearing forgetful

  • Difficulty following through on instructions

  • Fidgeting, restlessness, or needing to move constantly

  • Interrupting others or blurting out answers

  • Trouble managing big emotions

Boys are more likely to be diagnosed — often because symptoms are more externalized (like hyperactivity). Girls are often missed because their symptoms may be quieter, such as inattentiveness or internal anxiety.

Why Early Recognition Matters

Left untreated, ADHD can contribute to frustration, academic difficulties, strained relationships, and low self-esteem. But when identified early and supported with the right tools, children with ADHD can thrive — in school, at home, and beyond.

At Evora for Kids, we take the time to listen, evaluate, and understand each child’s unique profile. Whether a child struggles with inattention, impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, or all of the above — we’re here to help families chart a supportive, science-based path forward.

Our Approach: Whole-Child Care

We offer comprehensive ADHD evaluations and ongoing support for children and teens. As a pediatrician with over 20 years of experience — and now a specialist in pediatric weight management — Dr. Lisa Tritto brings a whole-child lens to ADHD care, recognizing how closely mental health and physical health are connected.

One of the key benefits of our concierge-style model is access and flexibility. Our practice limits the number of patients we see, which allows for:

  • Longer appointments and time to listen

  • Direct access to your doctor between visits

  • Unhurried visits where your child doesn’t feel rushed or overlooked

  • Coordinated care that includes school communication and personalized follow-up

This level of access becomes especially valuable when families are considering or starting medication. Because ADHD medications often require careful dose adjustments and close monitoring in the early stages, our model allows for faster feedback, easier communication, and quicker changes when needed. You won’t have to wait weeks to ask a question or adjust a dose — we’re here to respond in real-time to what your child needs.

In many children, ADHD overlaps with challenges such as:

  • Anxiety and mood disorders

  • Poor sleep

  • Low self-esteem

  • Emotional eating or struggles with body image

We address these interconnections with empathy and practical strategies that work in the real world.

Treatment Options

Every child is different, and so are our treatment plans. We talk with families about what’s working — and what’s not — and tailor recommendations that may include:

  • Behavioral therapy and coaching

  • Parent training and education

  • School collaboration and accommodations

  • Medication (when appropriate, and always explained in detail)

Our goal is to empower kids and families — not just to “manage” ADHD, but to build confidence, skills, and resilience.

We’re Here for You

If you’re concerned that your child may have ADHD, or you’re struggling to know what to try next, let’s talk.

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