If you’re a parent whose child has autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and/or anxiety, you’ll find the support you need – and the help your loved one deserves – at AdventHealth for Children. Our Childhood Development Program will work with you to develop an integrated plan of care aimed at helping your child blossom physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Location Details
AdventHealth Medical Group Developmental Pediatrics at Orlando
While the most common type of PDD is called PDD-NOS for “pervasive developmental disorder - not specified,” other well-known disorders such as autism, Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorders and Rett syndrome also fall under this category. Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in children will include challenges with social communication or interactions with others and restricted, repetitive behaviors or interests. This may be poor eye contact, speech delays, intense focus on specific topics, strict adherence to routines, and/or sensory seeking or avoidance. Early intervention and therapy may make a major difference in patients’ long-term wellbeing when provided at an early age. ABA (applied behavioral analysis) therapy is the gold standard treatment for autism spectrum disorders.
Children who have difficulty focusing on a particular task or who are prone to impulsive and hyperactive behaviors may be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This condition is very common in people of all ages, and often occurs with autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, or learning disabilities. The complex nature of ADHD and the fact that symptoms can vary from one patient to the next, makes it wise to seek medical help from a doctor or nurse practitioner who specializes in treating ADHD if your child is experiencing problems. The evidence-based treatment for ADHD is a combination of medication and behavioral therapies. This combination is the gold standard for managing symptoms of ADHD.
If worries or fears interfere with a child’s life for more than six months they may have an anxiety disorder. There are different types of anxiety in children such as separation anxiety, social anxiety, specific phobias, or generalized anxiety. Anxiety disorders are common in children and early treatment leads to significantly improved social, academic, and emotional functioning. Treatment typically includes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is often combined with medication, preventing the escalation to more severe disorders, and reduces the risk of depression and substance abuse later in life.
Meet Our Medical Director
Emily Forrest, MD
Emily Forrest, MD, is a board-certified developmental-behavioral pediatrician who specializes in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety and learning disabilities. She is a leading provider of care for these special patients at AdventHealth for Children.
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AdventHealth Medical Group Developmental Pediatrics at Orlando
Special Expertise for Our Most Special Patients
Your family will experience a complete continuum of care as you move from evaluation to diagnosis to individual treatment planning and follow-up care. Superior outcomes are our specialty, so you can be confident that your child is in the right hands.
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