ADHD & ASD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are two neurodevelopmental conditions that can impact a person’s behavior, learning, and social interaction. Both of these are common childhood conditions, but they often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

Although two distinct conditions, they can affect patients in similar ways. These conditions are genetically connected, and having one increases the chances of the other.

At Agentic Mental Health, we understand how ADHD and autism can significantly impact your life and often go undiagnosed. Our team employs thorough diagnostic processes and effective treatments to help manage and improve the symptoms of both ADHD and ASD.

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, affects areas like attention, organization, and mood. It can cause difficulties in how people focus, manage their thoughts, and control impulses.

While everyone occasionally struggles with focus or sitting still, these challenges are much more frequent and severe in those with ADHD.

The brain development of ADHD patients, particularly in the frontal lobe, differs from those without the condition. These differences are believed to contribute to the core symptoms of ADHD.

Symptoms of ADHD

The symptoms of ADHD can be categorized into two main types:

Inattentiveness
Hyperactivity & Impulsiveness

Inattentiveness

People with ADHD often find it hard to concentrate and stay focused. Common signs of inattentiveness include:

Short attention span and easy distraction
Careless mistakes in tasks like schoolwork
Forgetfulness and losing things frequently
Difficulty sticking to tasks that require long-term effort
Appearing not to listen or follow instructions
Constantly switching between tasks
Struggling to organize tasks

Hyperactivity & Impulsiveness

This category includes behaviors such as:

Inability to sit still
Constant fidgeting
Difficulty concentrating on tasks
Excessive physical movement and talking
Impatience and difficulty waiting for their turn
Acting without thinking
Interrupting conversations
Limited awareness of potential dangers

These symptoms can lead to significant challenges in various areas of life, including general behavior, academic and professional performance, social interactions, relationships, and daily functioning.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. People with ASD often behave and learn in ways that are different from others and may have difficulties with both verbal and nonverbal communication.

ASD is an umbrella term that covers a range of autistic conditions previously considered separate. This includes:

Level 1 autism: Previously known as Asperger’s Syndrome, it is a mild form of autism in which you may have high intelligence and manage daily life well but struggle socially.
Pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS): It is more severe than level 1 autism but less severe than autistic disorder.
Autistic disorder: It has more intense symptoms and affects your social interactions and communication.

Symptoms of ASD

ASD can lead to various symptoms that can affect your communication, social interactions, and behaviors.

Symptoms that affect communication & social interaction include:

Not responding to their name
Avoiding cuddling and preferring to play alone
Poor eye contact and facial expressions
Delayed or lost speech
Difficulty with conversations
Unusual speech patterns
Repeating words or phrases without understanding
Trouble understanding directions or questions
Limited emotional expression
Lack of interest in sharing
Inappropriate social behavior
Difficulty reading nonverbal cues

Symptoms or patterns of behavior that people with ASD show include:

Repetitive movements
Self-harming behaviors
Strict adherence to routines
Coordination problems or unusual movements
Intense focus on object details
Sensitivity to light, sound, touch
Indifference to pain or temperature
Limited pretend play
Intense focus on specific objects or activities
Specific food preferences or aversions

Diagnosis of ADHD & ASD

While ADHD and ASD are distinct diagnoses, they share some overlapping symptoms and can co-occur in some people. This overlap can sometimes lead to misdiagnosis.

Both ADHD and ASD are typically diagnosed in childhood, but they can continue into adulthood. There are many adults who remain undiagnosed until later in life.

At Agentic Mental Health, our team employs a comprehensive and in-depth assessment approach to ensure accurate diagnosis in adults. Our process can include:

Medical history & examination: A neurological exam and review of your medical history helps us rule out any underlying medical or mental health conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
Clinical interview & behavioral assessments: This in-depth interview involves a series of in-person observations and interactions to gain a deeper understanding of your behavior and assess your symptoms. We explore aspects like communication, emotions, behavioral patterns, interests, and daily life management. Our team also reviews your personal, medical, and mental health history from childhood to the present.
Neuropsychological testing: This testing measures your cognitive abilities, such as memory, attention, problem-solving, language skills, and reasoning. Referrals for neuropsychological testing are recommended to clarify the specific neurocognitive difficulties, allowing for a tailored, individualized approach to treatment planning.
Quantitative EEG (QEEG) or brain mapping: QEEG measures your brain’s electrical activity through brain wave patterns. Referrals for QEEG are suggested to get more insights into your overall brain function.

Treatment of ADHD & ASD

The treatment of ADHD and ASD focuses on improving your symptoms so that you can function more efficiently. At Agentic Mental Health, we take a personalized approach to treating ADHD and ASD.

Medications

Medications can help manage symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in people with ADHD and reduce irritability and aggression in people with ASD.

Our team uses a combination of stimulants, non-stimulants, and other medications to address your specific symptoms. We ensure personalized and effective treatment through pharmacogenetic testing. This testing analyzes your unique genetic makeup to identify medications that are most likely to be effective and well-tolerated by you.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a cornerstone of our treatment approach. It helps us understand and manage your symptoms, helps you develop coping strategies, and improves your social skills.

We offer several types of psychotherapy, including:

Psychodynamic therapy: It helps explore and address underlying emotional and psychological factors that may contribute to symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): It helps manage symptoms by changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Behavioral therapy: It focuses on reinforcing positive behaviors and reducing problematic ones.
Social skills training: It teaches effective communication and interaction skills.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness practices, such as yoga and meditation, can help reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance emotional regulation. We incorporate these techniques into our treatment plans to improve your symptoms, enhance your cognitive abilities, and promote overall well-being.

Treating ADHD & ASD in Virginia

At Agentic Mental Health, we are dedicated to supporting your mental health and helping you regain control of your life and happiness. Every ADHD and ASD patient is unique, and our team takes an individualized approach to managing your symptoms and achieving your full potential.

To book a consultation, call us at 434-284-5980 or schedule an appointment online.