Checklist - Newly diagnosed | I Embrace ADHD

1. Understand the Diagnosis

Review the Evaluation Results: Make sure you fully understand the details of the diagnosis and what it means for your child.
Ask Questions: Clarify any aspects of the diagnosis that you find confusing or unclear. Understand the type of ADHD your child has (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined).

Collaborate with Healthcare Providers: Work with your child’s primary care doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other specialists to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Consider Medication Options: Discuss the potential benefits and side effects of ADHD medications (stimulants and non-stimulants). Ensure you understand how the medication works and what to expect.
Explore Behavioral Therapy: Look into behavioral therapy options, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which can help your child develop coping strategies and improve their behavior.

Individualized Education Plan (IEP): If your child qualifies, work with the school to develop an IEP, which provides tailored educational accommodations and support.
504 Plan: If an IEP is not applicable, consider a 504 Plan, which outlines accommodations to help your child succeed in school.
Teacher Collaboration: Maintain open communication with your child’s teachers to ensure they are aware of the diagnosis and understand the best strategies to support your child in the classroom.

Structured Routine: Establish a consistent daily routine to help your child manage their time and activities more effectively.
Organizational Tools: Use tools like planners, calendars, and checklists to help your child stay organized and on track.
Positive Reinforcement: Implement a system of rewards and positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior and achievements.

Healthy Diet: Ensure your child has a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support brain health. Limit sugar and processed foods.
Regular Exercise: Encourage regular physical activity, which can help reduce ADHD symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Adequate Sleep: Establish a consistent sleep routine to ensure your child gets enough rest, as sleep is crucial for managing ADHD symptoms.

Social Skills Training: Consider enrolling your child in social skills training programs to help them develop better interpersonal skills.
Counseling: Seek counseling or therapy to address emotional and social challenges associated with ADHD.
- Pediatric and Family Therapy (ASCEND) for Riverside and San Bernardino Counties:
Peer Support Groups: Look for ADHD support groups for children and parents to share experiences and strategies.
- CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
- Orange County CHADD Location with regular zoom support group meetings

Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor your child’s progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Track Symptoms: Keep a journal to track your child’s symptoms, behavior, and any side effects of medication. This can help in fine-tuning the treatment plan.

Educate Yourself: Learn as much as you can about ADHD through books, online resources, and workshops.
- What is ADHD?
- ADHD Toolkit for parents & Caregivers (by CHADD): includes diagnosis and treatment guide, quick facts, infographics, articles, and videos
- ADHD Magazine with updates in treatment, information, and personal stories
- Riverside County ADHD Landing page: includes basics, Symptoms, Treatment Overview, helpful links for parents, medications, and related information, as well as a guide for when to call a doctor.
Support Groups: Join parent support groups to connect with other families facing similar challenges and to share advice and encouragement.
- Parent-to-Parent Non-Crisis Telephone Support Line: (951)358-3622; Toll free (888)358-3622
Parent Training Programs: Consider enrolling in parent training programs that focus on managing ADHD behaviors and improving parent-child relationships.
- Riverside County RUHS Behavioral Health Parent Support and Training Program: Includes services like support and educational groups, mental health training, parent-to-parent telephone support line, social events, youth mentorship, limited respite, and parent resource library.

Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your child’s educational rights under laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
Advocate for Your Child: Be prepared to advocate for your child’s needs in educational and medical settings to ensure they receive appropriate support and accommodations.

Transition Planning: As your child grows, plan for transitions such as moving from elementary to middle school, high school, and beyond.
Life Skills Training: Focus on teaching life skills that will help your child manage their ADHD symptoms and succeed in adulthood.