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Episode 69: ADHD in Children with Psychologist, Ashlee Fedyk

On today’s episode I talk to a psychologist about a controversial topic, which is ADHD in children. Let’s be honest, I love talking about controversial topics here. We talk about the symptoms of ADHD and quite frankly I think most children at some point in their childhood could meet the criteria. Whether or not a child is diagnosed, Ashlee and I agree that providing children with skills and strategies to learn is more effective than any medication. 

Ashlee Fedyk is a registered psychologist that specializes in assessment, counseling, and consultation services. She works with children and families both in schools and private practice. Ashlee is currently a member of the College of Alberta Psychologists, Psychologists Association of Alberta and the National Association of School Psychologists. Ashley strongly believes that collaborative approach will help create the most successful opportunity for each child. In addition to her professional life, Ashley is passionate about traveling and spending time with her two boys. 

In this episode we discuss:

• Reasons more children are diagnosed with ADHD these days
• Symptoms of ADHD that may indicate you should seek professional help
• How ADHD is diagnosed and what interventions are available
• Tips for parents who have a child with ADHD

Resources:

• Smart but Scattered
• The Whole Brain Child
• Taking Charge of ADHD 
• Simplicity Parenting
• ADDitude – Inside the ADHD Mind 
• Child Mind Institute 
• Color Monster

Connect with Ashley:

• Instagram: @stuffashleedoes
• Email: ashlee@fedykpsychology.com

Connect with Lynzy:

• Join the Motherhood Meets Medicine community at patreon.com/motherhoodmeetsmedicine
• Instagram: @motherhoodmeetsmedicine
• Sign up for the weekly newsletter here

Questions Asked In The Episode:

1. What exactly is ADHD and how prevalent is it?
2. What are some things that you think have led to this increase of the diagnosis in general?
3. What are some symptoms parents should look for?
4. Would you say that the child’s environment plays a huge role in the diagnosis?
5. How do you decide how to treat your patients and when to recommend medication?
6. What support do we have available for families that are trying to find out more information about ADHD?
7. What is the average age for receiving a diagnosis of ADHD when it comes to kids?
8. What is the difference between sensory seeking and ADHD behaviors?
9.  Do natural treatments work?
10.  What is your best advice to build self esteem for children that have ADHD?
11.  What recommendations do you have when a school thinks a child has ADHD, but a medical evaluation and the pediatrician both do not agree with those findings?
12.  When a child is given a diagnosis of ADHD, what advice would you give parents?