Initial Evaluation for Children
Dr. Adair evaluates children beginning at 5 years old.
During the initial visit, Dr. Adair will conduct a thorough evaluation of your child in three phases: assessment, diagnosis, and treatment recommendation.
The initial visit is also an opportunity for parents to ask questions. A few frequently asked questions by parents seeking care for their children are:
- Is what my child experiencing normal?
- What is causing my child’s symptoms?
- If medication is recommended, will my child have to take it forever?
These questions, along with any other questions or concerns that you or your child may have, will be addressed during the initial visit.
To thoroughly assess your child, Dr. Adair will obtain information on biological, psychological, cultural and social factors that may be contributing to your child’s current symptoms. This may require our office to request and review records from several sources. This additional information will assist her in the assessment process. She will spend time with you and your child both separately and together. Our office will discuss with you what is needed from you prior to your child’s initial visit.
After the assessment, Dr. Adair will discuss her findings with you and provide a diagnosis, including an explanation of how the assessment supports the diagnosis. She will also help you understand what it means for your child and for your family.
In the final phase of your child’s initial evaluation, you will receive treatment recommendations. Dr. Adair will discuss with you what she recommends as the next best steps for you and your child. Your thoughts, feelings and concerns about your child’s diagnosis and treatment plan are very important. Dr. Adair will encourage your feedback and considers it a critical part of the treatment process.
Medication Monitoring/Management
Dr. Adair provides medication monitoring, and if your child is prescribed a medication, she will want to monitor it closely. This will require both you and your child to be present at future appointments, and the frequency of appointments will vary. Dr. Adair is conservative in her medication treatment, meaning she will start your child with low doses and slowly make changes and adjustments. Dr. Adair believes medication is only one part of the treatment process. If medication is warranted, Dr. Adair will be very intentional about making additional treatment recommendations. Dr. Adair will also want to collaborate and coordinate care with your child’s therapist to ensure optimal treatment.
Dr. Adair offers DNA testing. This test can provide insight into how your body may respond to certain medications. Be aware that the test is only used as additional information to assist in guiding treatment with medications. For more information on GeneSight, click here.