00:00:11.77  >> I've looked at Tommy's test results and evaluated the neurological workup I did.
00:00:17.11  Your son has ADHD.
00:00:20.15  But that's good news, because it is highly treatable.
00:00:23.76  >> What is ADHD, Dr.
00:00:25.55  Miller?
00:00:26.36  >> ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Kelly.
00:00:32.12  >> Exactly what is Attention Deficit Disorder?
00:00:34.89  Is it the same thing as hyperactivity?
00:00:37.30  >> Yes, Kelly.
00:00:38.03  We used to call it hyperactivity.
00:00:40.67  As you know, children with ADHD have a hard time concentrating or staying on one task for very long.
00:00:48.20  They may be very impulsive, and seem unable to control their impulses.
00:00:53.28  For instance, you told me that Tommy hits his brother when he's frustrated?
00:00:58.11  >> Mm-hmm.
00:00:58.76  >> That's a typical ADHD behavior.
00:01:02.08  >> You said it's treatable, Dr.
00:01:03.39  Miller?
00:01:04.13  We'd hate for Tommy to miss any more school or be left behind this year.
00:01:08.53  >> The news is good, Sean.
00:01:10.01  We can treat Tommy with medications that can calm him down.
00:01:14.30  He'll likely have to be on these medications for the rest of his life, since this is a permanent condition.
00:01:20.42  However, the medicine will allow him to function normally.
00:01:24.70  >> But, Dr.
00:01:25.11  Miller, I've read that diet is a factor in ADHD.
00:01:28.88  I've heard of some children who have the same condition, but were cured of that through their diet.
00:01:34.13  We've noticed that Tommy is particularly sensitive to sugary foods.
00:01:37.87  >> Kelly, that's just old wives' tales.
00:01:40.99  I know that you're worried about Tommy, and would like to see him cured, but I have been treating kids with ADHD for over 20 years, and I can tell you that diet has no bearing.
00:01:53.43  The medicine I'm prescribing for Tommy actually stimulates certain portions of his brain, which have the opposite effect of calming him down.
00:02:03.11  There are no ill effects, and you'll have a normal little boy.
00:02:08.82  Try the medication.
00:02:10.45  And if you have questions, get back to me.
00:02:12.65  [Knock on door] >> Mrs.
00:02:26.14  Santiago?
00:02:27.08  >> Yes?
00:02:27.51  >> Hi.
00:02:27.73  We're Kelly and Sean McNelis, Tommy's parents.
00:02:30.61  >> Hi.
00:02:30.85  Nice to meet you.
00:02:31.77  >> Nice to meet you, too.
00:02:32.71  >> Call me Maria, please.
00:02:33.80  >> Hello.
00:02:34.38  >> How are you?
00:02:35.05  >> Good.
00:02:35.19  >> Have a seat.
00:02:35.83  >> Thanks.
00:02:38.76  >> Tommy told me that he was going to the doctor to take some tests.
00:02:41.54  Is everything okay?
00:02:42.79  >> Well, we just got back from Dr.
00:02:44.14  Miller's office.
00:02:45.60  Tommy's been diagnosed with ADHD -- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
00:02:52.46  We're gonna try to regulate that with some medication, and hopefully that'll allow him to concentrate so he can pass this year.
00:02:59.32  >> So there is a concentration problem with you as well, you've noticed that?
00:03:02.93  Well, I've noticed a concentration problem, although it's difficult to tell, with him and other children, if it's just natural exuberance or if there's an underlying condition that's serious.
00:03:13.82  Last year, though, he did so well during the science project.
00:03:17.85  Do you remember that?
00:03:19.64  >> I do.
00:03:20.28  And I've wondered if maybe his condition has to do with something related to his diet.
00:03:24.72  He seems so sensitive to sugar.
00:03:27.00  >> Well, I've done some reading about children and foods, and a lot of children are allergic to certain foods.
00:03:33.48  What you may want to try to do is keep a diary of all the foods that he eats, and write down what you observe as far as his behavior's concerned.
00:03:41.49  And maybe that will give us an idea of what's going on with the food.
00:03:45.12  >> That's a good idea.
00:03:46.29  I'm so uncomfortable with the idea of his taking a drug forever.
00:03:50.25  >> Well, I can surely understand that, especially being a parent.
00:03:53.57  If there's anything that I can do for Tommy, please let me know.
00:03:56.93  >> I think you should just treat him like normal.
00:03:58.90  He likes you, and he likes the class.
00:04:01.51  If you notice anything unusual, just go ahead and give us a call.
00:04:06.28  If he seems lethargic or out of it, don't hesitate.
00:04:09.92  >> Gladly, I will.
00:04:10.97  And you do the same.
00:04:12.02  Give me a call if there's anything you need me to pay attention to.