• Behavioral
• Emotional
• Vocational
• Academic

At Connecticut ADHD Associates, Dr. Mitchel Katz helps parents who have children with autism in Connecticut to increase their knowledge and understanding. Autism is one of a group of serious developmental problems called autism spectrum disorders that appear in early childhood—typically before the age of three. While symptoms and severity vary from child to child, all autism spectrum disorders affect a child’s ability to communicate and interact with others.

Let’s Take a Look at the Symptoms

Many of you have heard or read about the term "Executive Function"; it may have been used if an evaluation for ADHD was done by a neuropsychologist. What is the relationship between problems with Executive Function and ADHD? Are they one in the same?

Executive function refers to a set of mental skills that includes the ability to:

• Manage time and attention
• Maintain focus 
• Plan and organize
• Remember details
• Curb inappropiate speech and/or behavior
• Integrate past experience with present action

As one can see, Executive Function problems are asociated with, or are a part of , the clinical syndrome known as ADHD. However, Executive Function problems are not limited only to ADHD; they may be seen with:

• Depression
• Learning disabilities
• Brain damage secondary to Alzheimer's Disease, stroke, or brain injury

The simplest was to think about executive function, is that all patients diagnosed with ADHD have problems with Executive Function, but not all patient with Executive Function problems have ADHD.

I hope that clarifies the issue a little bit.

Regards,

Mitchel Katz, MD

I often get asked by parents as to the efficacy of non-drug interventions in the treatment of their child’s ADHD. 

A recent study in the January 2013 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry outlined the findings of a multinational team of experts, who found no positive effects from psychological treatments including mind exercises (cognitive training), neurofeedback, and behavioral modification training. The researched discovered only small benefits associated with certain dietary modifications (which is consistent with a recent review article that appeared in Pediatrics).

However, one of the coauthors of the study said that parents should not be discouraged and should talk with their child’s physician as “evidence is never a substitute for having a discussion about your own child and wheat is right for your child and your family.”

I remain available to talk to any patient or parent about treatment methods for ADHD. 

Regards,

Mitchel Katz, MD

Welcome to the Blog of Connecticut ADHD Associates and Dr. Mitchel G. Katz!

Whether you or  your child is an existing patient or you’re searching for a expert in ADHD and other related disorders, I am excited you are here. We recognize the importance of keeping patients, parents and visitors up to date with all of the new and exciting things taking place in our field of practice..

As we move forward with our blog, we hope to provide a source of reputable information for you or your child. Here you will find a variety of articles and topics including news regarding ADHD and related disorders, advancements in pediatric and adult treatment, and practical  advice and updates from the practice. 

We hope you find our blog to be helpful, engaging and informational to ensure your child’s best health. 
As always, feel free to contact me with any health questions or concerns.

-- Mitchel G. Katz, MD - Connecticut ADHD Associates