Hyperactivity, Attention & Learning Problems (HALP) Clinic

The Hyperactivity, Attention and Learning Problems (HALP) Clinic specializes in identifying and treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other disruptive behavior patterns in children ranging from preschool to college age. We also evaluate learning and emotional issues that often accompany such conditions. Typical symptoms of children referred to the HALP Clinic include problems at school, such as not meeting potential or difficulty fulfilling assignments or consistently following directions and rules; not completing homework and chores regularly and independently; defiant, disorganized or inattentive behavior; low self-esteem; and trouble forming or maintaining quality friendships.

Comprehensive evaluation

HALP offers a complete diagnostic workup examining major problems and disorders that can affect a child's ability to do well at school or home. A team of mental health professionals meets for a full day with the family for an evaluation, which will take into account extensive information about the child's functioning at home and in the classroom; the workup includes medical screening, diagnostic interviewing and psychological and neuropsychological testing. Because information from teachers is essential, we recommend scheduling diagnostic evaluations during the school year.

Superparenting 101

This course equips parents with techniques to help their children with behavior, learning or emotional problems. The teaching approach combines traditional parent training and specialized therapeutic skills training. We often teach parent and child courses on this topic at the same time.

Social and life skills training

This fun course teaches children skills for making and keeping friends, handling disappointments and getting along better with people. Kids also learn ways to become better organized and handle routine responsibilities like getting ready for school, being on time, managing homework and establishing good habits. The parents attend their own course at the same time to learn how to support their children in exercising these skills at home.

School consultations

HALP clinicians can visit a child's school if needed for classroom observation, teacher training or individualized education plan (IEP) staffing issues or to help a teacher design a behavioral program to improve academic productivity. We can provide technical advice on educational accommodations when these are appropriate under IDEA or Section 504. We frequently set up daily school-home report card arrangements as a way of teaming up parents and teachers to support a student's learning and behavior.

Medication

The HALP clinic's approach to medication is to provide as many facts to the parents as possible, then let the family decide what's best for the child. We offer information about what medications do and don't do, including all potential benefits and risks. If families who opt to try medication, we refer them to our medication assessment clinics, which can carefully follow and evaluate how a child responds.