Questions to ask your Pediatrician

So yesterday we changed Pediatricians.  We wanted to try someone new and get a fresh approach for my son's treatment.  I was looking at the parents in the waiting room and I was reminded how daunting it can be when you go to that first appointment.  So here is my comprehensive list of questions that you should ask your Pediatrician.

One of the biggest questions that I want you to ask yourself when you see a new professional is ‘Are they on my team?’  

By that, I mean are they suitable for you and your child.  It is almost like a job interview to find the right professionals to work with. 

• Do they ask lots of questions to get to know your child, your family and your concerns? 

• Do they rush you through the appointment and seem to be just ticking boxes? 
• Did they go straight to medication or give you other or additional options? 
• Do they seem thorough? Do they listen? 
• Do they actually care about getting the best outcomes for your child? 
• Are they the right fit to be on your team? 

Because it does take a team to manage ADHD.  It is almost never just one thing that is the solution and studies have shown that a multi-disciplinary approach is the most effective. 

Questions to ask your Pediatrician

Prior to your appointment:

You may wish to keep a journal of your child’s behaviours/symptoms.
You may wish to film your child’s concerning behaviours
Prepare a list of questions that you would like to ask.
Gather any reports, letters or notes from daycare, school, tutors, teachers, relatives.

At the appointment:

Ask about the Pediatrician history in treating ADHD/ADD - are they experienced?
Show them the documents gathered prior to the appointment.
If they suggest medication, make sure you take notes about dosage, possible side effects, how to come off medication if necessary. (Remember you do not have to accept medication if you don’t feel that it is right for your child. You should discuss this with your Pediatrician if you are having concerns.)
What do I do if my child has major or minor side effects to the medication?
What do I do if my child refuses to swallow the medication?
What do I do if my child stops eating and/or starts losing weight?
What do I do if my child won’t sleep?
What other treatments would you recommend at this time?
How often do you recommend that we have follow up appointments?

When you received the diagnosis for your child you may have felt upset, or like me, relieved because it was confirmation of what you already knew. But often you get this hefty diagnosis and then what? You may have been handed medication and then???  I feel like there is a big gap here... so this is where the Calming the Chaos online course comes in.  How do you actually live with a child that has this disorder?  How do you run your house so that you are setting your family up for success?  We are going to show you how!  You are not going to have the perfect family after this... they do not exist.  But you will have a functional family, a family that has time for the good stuff.