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 the learning and emotional issues that often accompany such conditions. Typical symptoms of children referred to the HALP Clinic include problems at school, such as difficulty finishing assignments and homework; inability to consistently follow directions or rules; underachieving academically; and defiant, disorganized or inattentive behavior; as well as problems at home or in social settings, such as failure to do chores regularly and independently; low self-esteem; and trouble forming or maintaining authentic friendships.

Comprehensive evaluations

HALP offers a complete diagnostic workup of problems and disorders that can affect a child's ability to thrive at school or home. A team of mental health professionals meets for a full day with the family for this evaluation, which examines extensive information about how the child functions at home and in the classroom. Each child receives medical screening, diagnostic interviewing, and psychological and neuropsychological testing. Because information from teachers is essential, we recommend scheduling evaluations during the school year.

Superparenting 101

This course equips parents with techniques for helping their children with behavioral, learning or emotional problems. The teaching approach combines traditional parent training and specialized therapeutic skills training. This group is held on Wednesday afternoons and each session is 90 minutes long. We often teach parent and child courses on this topic at the same time.

Social and life skills training

This fun course for children in second through fifth grades teaches skills for making and keeping friends, handling disappointments and generally getting along better with others. Kids also learn ways to become better organized and handle everyday responsibilities, such as getting ready for school, being on time, managing homework and establishing good habits. Parents attend the Superparenting 101 course at the same time to learn how to support their children in exercising these skills at home.

Individual family and parenting skills sessions

Parents of children with ADHD or other disruptive behavior concerns can benefit from individual sessions to develop their family and parenting skills. In this short-term, behavior-focused therapy, we teach positive parenting strategies and specific management techniques to improve children's compliance, reduce behavioral problems and strengthen parent-child relationships. The focus is on helping parents to be positive, communicate clearly, establish structure and maintain routine, and respond more consistently.

School consultations

If needed, HALP providers can visit a child's school for classroom observation, teacher training or individualized education plan (IEP) staffing issues or to assist a teacher with designing a behavioral program to improve academic performance. We can provide technical advice on educational accommodations when appropriate under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 (which protects kids from disability-based discrimination). We frequently set up daily school-home report cards as a way to help parents and teachers team up on supporting the student's learning and behavior.

Medications

The HALP Clinic's approach to medication use is to provide as much information to the parents as possible and then let the family decide what's best for the child. We offer the facts on what pharmaceuticals do and don't do, including potential benefits and risks. If families choose to try this option, we refer them to our medication assessment clinics, which can carefully track and evaluate how the child responds.