SUPPORT FOR FOCUS, BEHAVIOR & LEARNING
ADHD Evaluation & Treatment for Children and Teens in the Northwest Chicago Suburbs
Trouble focusing, sitting still, or following through on tasks can be a normal part of childhood – or it can be a sign of ADHD that’s making school, friendships, and family life harder than they need to be. Our pediatricians provide ADHD screening, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment right here in our Elgin, Streamwood, Algonquin offices, so your child doesn’t have to wait months for an outside specialist just to get started.
Signs Your Child May Have ADHD
ADHD looks different at different ages, but common signs include difficulty staying focused on tasks or schoolwork, acting without thinking through consequences, trouble sitting still or waiting turns, losing things frequently, and struggling to follow multi-step instructions. These signs are worth a conversation with us if they’re persistent, appear in multiple settings (home and school), and are affecting your child’s daily functioning – not just an occasional off day.
How We Diagnose ADHD
Diagnosis starts with a thorough conversation about your child’s behavior across settings, often supported by standardized questionnaires completed by parents and teachers. We’ll review developmental history, rule out other causes (like sleep issues, anxiety, or learning differences that can look similar to ADHD), and may recommend additional evaluation if the picture is complex.
Treatment Options We Offer
Treatment is never one-size-fits-all. Depending on your child’s age and symptoms, we may discuss behavioral strategies for home and school, classroom accommodation planning (like a 504 plan or IEP referral), and medication management when appropriate – with regular follow-up visits to monitor how treatment is working and adjust as your child grows.
504 Plan
- Provides accommodations for students with disabilities
- Helps students access the same curriculum as their peers
- May include extra time, seating changes, breaks, or reduced distractions
- Does not require specialized instruction
IEP
- Provides individualized special education services
- Includes specific learning goals and progress tracking
- May include accommodations and specialized instruction
- Used when a disability affects educational performance and requires special education
Not every child with ADHD needs a 504 Plan or IEP. Eligibility and supports are determined by the school team based on the child’s individual needs.
Supporting Your Child at Home and School
We work with families on practical strategies – consistent routines, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and clear, immediate feedback – and we’re happy to communicate directly with your child’s school or provide documentation to support classroom accommodations.
ADHD
frequently asked questions
At what age can ADHD be diagnosed?
ADHD can typically be diagnosed starting around age 4, though it’s most commonly identified during the early elementary school years when attention and behavior differences become more apparent in a classroom setting.
Does my child need to see a specialist for ADHD, or can our pediatrician help?
Many children can be evaluated and treated for ADHD directly by their pediatrician. We’ll refer to a specialist (such as a developmental pediatrician or psychiatrist) if your child’s case is more complex or doesn’t respond to initial treatment.
Is medication the only treatment for ADHD?
No. Behavioral therapy, classroom accommodations, and home strategies are often used alongside or instead of medication, depending on your child’s age and symptom severity.
How long does an ADHD evaluation take?
It typically involves an initial visit plus questionnaires from home and school, with a follow-up appointment to discuss results and next steps – the full process is usually completed within a few weeks.
Concerned Your Child May Have ADHD?
The earlier we start the conversation, the sooner your child gets the support they need at home and at school.
Call 847-742-6888 to Schedule an ADHD Evaluation
Caring for northern Illinois families for over 40 years
Call for Appointments
847.742.6888
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 8 am - 5 pm
(Closed for lunch 12 - 1:30pm)
Saturday: 8 am - 12 pm
Sunday: Closed
ELGIN SUMMIT STREET
1015 Summit St
Elgin, IL 60120
ELGIN RANDALL ROAD
1530 N Randall Rd.
Elgin, IL 60123
STREAMWOOD
1020 E Schaumburg Rd. Streamwood, IL 60107
ALGONQUIN
2971 Algonquin Rd. Ste 105
Algonquin, IL 60102
AFTER HOURS
Call 847.742.6888 to reach our answering service. A provider will be paged to assist you. A $25 after-hours fee applies.
For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.