ADHD: how to choose the right child psychiatrist or paediatric neurologist for your child?
The specialist who will follow your child for their ADHD will play a central role for potentially several years. Choosing well is important. Here are the essential criteria for making the right choice.
Checking specialisation in ADHD and neurodevelopment
All child psychiatrists and paediatric neurologists have basic training in neurodevelopmental disorders, but not all are equally specialised in ADHD. Don’t hesitate to ask directly at the first contact: do you regularly follow children with ADHD? Which therapeutic approaches do you favour? An experienced ADHD specialist will be up to date with the latest recommendations and will know how to distinguish the different presentations of the disorder.
The therapeutic approach: comprehensive and coordinated
Good ADHD follow-up is not limited to prescribing medication. It includes complete psychoeducation for the child and parents, referral to recommended complementary therapies such as CBT, coordination with the school team for educational adjustments, and regular follow-up that adapts the approach to the child’s progress. Avoid specialists who only offer medication without comprehensive support.
The relationship with the child and parents
The quality of the therapeutic relationship is decisive for the engagement of the child and parents in follow-up. A good specialist takes the time to explain, to listen to the concerns of parents and child, and to co-construct the therapeutic plan rather than imposing it. The child must feel heard and respected, not just assessed and ordered about.
Availability and continuity of follow-up
ADHD requires regular follow-up, particularly in the early years and during periods of transition. A specialist who is too difficult to reach, or whose appointments are spaced more than 6 months apart during periods of crisis, is poorly suited to the needs of a child with ADHD. Continuity of follow-up with the same specialist is preferable to frequent changes that force you to start the history from scratch at each consultation.
Where to find an ADHD specialist?
Your GP can refer you to a specialist. ADHD parent associations often have lists of practitioners recommended by families. And professionnelsdys.fr offers a directory of professionals specialised in supporting neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD.
