>> I've looked at Tommy's test results
and evaluated the neurological workup I did.
Your son has ADHD.
But that's good news,
because it is highly treatable.
>> What is ADHD, Dr.
Miller?
>> ADHD stands for Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder, Kelly.
>> Exactly what is
Attention Deficit Disorder?
Is it the same thing as hyperactivity?
>> Yes, Kelly.
We used to call it hyperactivity.
As you know, children with ADHD
have a hard time concentrating
or staying on one task for very long.
They may be very impulsive,
and seem unable to control their impulses.
For instance, you told me that Tommy
hits his brother when he's frustrated?
>> Mm-hmm.
>> That's a typical ADHD behavior.
>> You said it's treatable, Dr.
Miller?
We'd hate for Tommy to miss any
more school or be left behind this year.
>> The news is good, Sean.
We can treat Tommy with medications
that can calm him down.
He'll likely have to be on these
medications for the rest of his life,
since this is a permanent condition.
However, the medicine will
allow him to function normally.
>> But, Dr.
Miller, I've read that diet is a factor in ADHD.
I've heard of some children
who have the same condition,
but were cured of that
through their diet.
We've noticed that Tommy is
particularly sensitive to sugary foods.
>> Kelly, that's just old wives' tales.
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.
The medicine I'm prescribing for Tommy
actually stimulates certain portions of his brain,
which have the opposite effect
of calming him down.
There are no ill effects,
and you'll have a normal little boy.
Try the medication.
And if you have questions,
get back to me.
[Knock on door]
>> Mrs.
Santiago?
>> Yes?
>> Hi.
We're Kelly and Sean McNelis,
Tommy's parents.
>> Hi.
Nice to meet you.
>> Nice to meet you, too.
>> Call me Maria, please.
>> Hello.
>> How are you?
>> Good.
>> Have a seat.
>> Thanks.
>> Tommy told me that he was going
to the doctor to take some tests.
Is everything okay?
>> Well, we just got back from Dr.
Miller's office.
Tommy's been diagnosed with ADHD --
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
We're gonna try to regulate
that with some medication,
and hopefully that'll allow him
to concentrate so he can pass this year.
>> So there is a concentration problem
with you as well, you've noticed that?
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.
Last year, though, he did
so well during the science project.
Do you remember that?
>> I do.
And I've wondered if maybe his condition
has to do with something related to his diet.
He seems so sensitive to sugar.
>> Well, I've done some reading
about children and foods,
and a lot of children
are allergic to certain foods.
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.
And maybe that will give us an idea
of what's going on with the food.
>> That's a good idea.
I'm so uncomfortable with the idea
of his taking a drug forever.
>> Well, I can surely understand that,
especially being a parent.
If there's anything that I can do
for Tommy, please let me know.
>> I think you should just
treat him like normal.
He likes you, and he likes the class.
If you notice anything unusual,
just go ahead and give us a call.
If he seems lethargic or out of it,
don't hesitate.
>> Gladly, I will.
And you do the same.
Give me a call if there's anything
you need me to pay attention
to.