Does your child need a behavioral consultation? A behavioral consultation is an effective way to help parents address behaviors that disrupt family routines. The consultation involves identifying problem behaviors and implementing treatment. Dr. Anita Henley, Dr. Tara Etter, and Dr. Leesa Lawrence at Royal Oak Pediatric Associates in Marion, VA, offers behavioral consultations to children of all ages. Here are some reasons why kids should have a behavioral consultation.

1. Taking risks without thinking- Some children have a hard time controlling their actions. Sometimes, they take risks without thinking. Teenagers take more risks than any other age groups. This risk-taking includes binge drinking, dangerous driving, drug use, and risky sexual behavior. People often believe that teenagers engage in risky behaviors because they're not very good at evaluating risk. A behavioral consultation will allow you and your child's doctor to create a plan to manage negative behaviors.

2. Difficulty managing impulses– Impulsivity is defined as "actions without foresight.” Impulsive children often do things like blurt things out, don’t wait their turn, take unnecessary risks, and interrupt conversations. Impulse control develops slowly over time. Kids who become aggressive after they begin school or children who yell at their teacher need help developing better skills. If your child exhibits impulsive behavior, a behavioral consultation will reduce impulsivity.

3. Difficulty controlling emotions- It's normal for preschoolers to have occasional emotional outbursts. Daily emotional outbursts are a sign of a behavior problem. Older kids should be able to cope with negative feelings in a socially appropriate manner. If your child's anger is out of control and affecting how they interact with their friends and family, they need professional help. A behavioral consultation in Marion is a way to get help for your child.

4. Behavior that interferes with school– Misbehavior that interferes with your child's education may be a sign of a behavior disorder. Difficulty staying on task, getting into fights, and getting sent out of class are all potential warning signs. You know that you have to step in when your child hits a playmate, but you should not disregard more subtle aggressive acts, like pinching a friend or shoving his brother. If you don't intervene, your child's behavior can become an entrenched habit. Plus, it sends a message that hurting people is acceptable.

5. Problems related to social interaction- It's normal for children to have spats with peers, but if your child's behaviors prevent her or him from having friends, that's a problem. Kids should be able to develop and maintain healthy relationships with their peers. In general, a child's behaviors are deemed to be normal if they are socially, developmentally, and culturally appropriate. A few tantrums, yelling, and arguments once in a while are normal. But if these behaviors occur on a regular basis, then they are a cause for concern.

If your child needs a behavioral consultation, why wait? We can help you today! Call Royal Oak Pediatric Associates at 276-783-8183 today to schedule your child's appointment in Marion, VA. Our pediatricians are trained to help children and teenagers with behavioral or mood problems. We can help you identify troubling behaviors and address them before they escalate to something more serious.

Caring for a newborn is often simultaneously rewarding and overwhelming. Marion, VA, pediatricians Dr. Anita Henley, Dr. Leesa Lawrence, and Dr. Tara Etter share a few newborn care tips that new parents may find helpful.

Try swaddling

Many, but not all, babies enjoy being swaddled. Swaddling increases your baby's sense of security and may even prevent startling, a common phenomenon that can wake your son or daughter from a sound sleep. Make sure your infant has plenty of room to bend his or her legs when swaddled, and discontinue swaddling if it seems to upset your baby rather than calm him or her. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents stop swaddling babies at two months of age.

Make hand washing a priority

Newborns can easily catch colds and illnesses because they haven't yet developed immunities or haven't received the full schedule of vaccinations. Wash your hands before you handle your baby, and ask visitors to do the same. Although family and friends will be understandably excited about seeing your new baby, ask them to stay home if they're ill.

Keep up with newborn visits

Newborns need to see the pediatrician much more often than older children. Your baby's first appointment in our Marion office should occur just a few days after you return home. Follow up visits during the first year are usually scheduled at two weeks, one month, two months, four months, six months, nine months and one year. During those visits, we'll make sure that your child is receiving adequate nutrition and that there are no feeding issues. Growth and development are also charted, and vaccinations are provided to protect your child from a range of diseases. The visits offer an opportunity to share your concerns with the pediatrician and receive support and encouragement.

Are you looking for a newborn care provider for your baby? Call Marion, VA, pediatricians Dr. Anita Henley, Dr. Leesa Lawrence, and Dr. Tara Etter at (276) 783-8183 to schedule your child's first appointment.

ADHD is becoming a fairly common condition in young children and adolescents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over six million children between the ages of 4 to 17 have been diagnosed, and the rates continue to rise. Treatment for ADHD varies from child to child, but a combination of therapy and medication is commonly used to help manage the condition. If your child is exhibiting symptoms of ADHD or having behavioral problems at home or at school, the first step is to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician for an evaluation. The pediatricians at Royal Oak Pediatric Associates in Marion, VA, Dr. Anita Henley, Dr. Leesa Lawrence, and Dr. Tara Etter recommend that you have your child evaluated as soon as possible in order to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Pediatric Behavioral Health Services in Marion, VA

There are many misconceptions and myths about ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and other childhood behavioral health issues. For example, many people assume that all children with ADHD are also hyperactive, but that is not always the case. According to the CDC, there are a few categories of ADHD with specific symptoms:

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

• Fidgety, inability to sit still for long periods of time
• Frequently interrupts conversations, or appears unable to "wait their turn" in conversations or games, etc.
• Difficulty remaining quiet
• Constant movement or physical activity like running or jumping at inappropriate moments

Inattention

• Easily distracted and forgetful
• Difficulty paying attention and following through on tasks like schoolwork or chores
• Appears not to listen
• Easily loses focus and fails to complete tasks, or makes careless mistakes

The CDC recommends regularly monitoring your child's symptoms and behavior, and to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician if they persist for six months or longer.

Find a Pediatrician in Marion, VA

For more information about treatment options for ADHD and other childhood behavioral health issues, contact Royal Oak Pediatric Associates by calling 276-783-8183 to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician today.

Behavioral issues can affect your child's ability to make friends and do well at school. Marion, VA, pediatricians Dr. Anita Henley, Dr. Leesa Lawrence, Dr. Tara Etter discuss several common behavioral health issues.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Hyperactivity isn't always a symptom of the ADHD. If your child has the inattentive form of the disorder, he or she may be easily distracted or have trouble concentrating, but won't exhibit any signs of hyperactivity. Children who have the hyperactive/impulsive form may have difficulty sitting still, waiting their turn or staying silent. Some children have a combination of both forms.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

ASD is a developmental disorder that can make it difficult for your child to interact with other people. Children may be mildly, moderately or severely affected by the disorder. Signs of ASD often appear when your child is young and may include:

• Trouble making eye contact
• Language delays
• Obsession with certain topics or toys
• Motor skill difficulties
• Lack of empathy
• Difficulty making friends
• Repetitive language
• Hand flapping
• Rocking

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)

No child likes to be told what to do, but children who have ODD are continually disobedient or defiant. In addition to angry outbursts, signs that your child may have ODD include constant arguing when asked to do something and frequent arguments with adults and other children. Children who have ODD are often irritable and tend to blame others for any problems they encounter.

How a pediatrician can help

If you suspect that your child has a behavioral issue, it's important to schedule an appointment with our Marion office. In addition to performing a thorough examination to rule out health conditions that may cause behavioral changes, your child's pediatrician can recommend therapy or counseling to help you and your family manage your child's disorder. In certain situations, medication may be prescribed.

Are you concerned about a behavioral issue? Call Marion, VA, pediatricians of Royal Oak Pediatric Associates at (276) 783-8183 to schedule an appointment.

When your child needs to try out for a sport in school, it is likely that they school will require a sports physical. This protects the school, but also your child to ensure that they are capable of this activity safely. Dr. Anita Henley, Dr. Leesa Lawrence, Dr. Tara Etter, or Becky Ewald at Royal Oak Pediatric Associates in Marion, VA, can perform this important medical examination.
 
About Sports Physicals
 
This exam clears a child for sports activity. During the physical, your Royal Oak pediatrician takes a close look at your child’s medical history and looks for any new conditions or illnesses that may prevent them from safely participating. Our office also will ensure your child has a full physical asks is up to date on vaccinations. Physicals dine through the school system are unable to provide this as they do not have access to your child's medical history and records.
 
 A sports physical is important because a school takes on a risk when they allow a child to participate in sports. These exams allow the school, school nurse and coach to be aware of any medical conditions your child has that may affect their performance or put them at risk for injury. Some things evaluated during this exam include (and are not limited to):

• Height
• Weight
• Blood pressure
• Vision and hearing
• Joints, muscles, posture, scoliosis
• Ears, nose and throat
• Heart and lungs
• Vaccinations
• Urine
• Iron level

Other tests may be required depending on your child’s health and the state you reside. After the physical is complete, your Royal Oak pediatrician will provide you a note confirming whether your child is cleared to safely play sports.
 
A yearly physical, whether a sports one or not, is important for school-age children, and a Royal Oak pediatrician can perform these important tests to keep your child as healthy as possible. Don’t allow your child to miss out on being a part of a team. Call and schedule an appointment with Royal Oak Pediatric Associates today at (276) 783-8183.