01Growing up
Behavior, ADHD and development
Structured ADHD evaluation with Vanderbilt scales, autism screening with M-CHAT-R/F, and referral into Iowa early intervention when it is warranted.
- Ages18 months to 21 years
- Visit length45 to 60 minutes for evaluation visits
- ClinicsAll three
- Book byOnline request or phone
02
What this actually involves
Behavior and development questions deserve a real appointment, not the last four minutes of a sick visit. We book dedicated evaluation slots so there is time to hear from you, from the school, and from your child.
We screen formally rather than by impression. That means ASQ-3 and M-CHAT-R/F at the recommended ages, NICHQ Vanderbilt parent and teacher scales for attention concerns, and PHQ-9 modified for adolescents plus SCARED for anxiety from age 12.
If this is a medical emergency, or your child is struggling to breathe, unresponsive, having a seizure, or badly injured, call 911 now. Call 911.
03
What is included
Six things we do every time, not a list of aspirations.
ADHD evaluation
Vanderbilt scales from you and from at least one teacher, a review of the DSM-5-TR criteria including impairment in two or more settings, and a search for the things that imitate ADHD: sleep apnea, hearing loss, anxiety, and a learning disability nobody has tested for.
Autism screening and referral
M-CHAT-R/F at 18 and 24 months, with the structured follow-up interview for medium-risk scores rather than an automatic referral, and a direct referral to Iowa Early ACCESS when it is indicated.
Developmental delay pathway
Referral to Early ACCESS before age three and to the school district's evaluation team after, with the paperwork written the same day.
Medication management
When medication is right, we start low, review at two to four weeks, and monitor height, weight, heart rate, blood pressure and sleep at every follow-up.
Anxiety and mood
Screening, brief counselling, safety planning, and warm handoff into therapy. We name the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in every visit where self-harm comes up.
School coordination
Written input for 504 plans and IEP meetings, and direct phone contact with the school nurse or counsellor when you ask us to.
General information, not medical advice. It is not tailored to your child and it does not replace a visit.
04
How it runs
- 01Intake
A long booking with forms sent ahead. Teacher forms take the longest, so we send them first.
- 02Rule out imitators
Hearing test, sleep history, vision, and a look at academic testing before any diagnosis is made.
- 03Diagnosis and plan
A named diagnosis or a named alternative, with a written plan for home and for school.
- 04Follow-up
Two to four weeks after any medication change, then every three months while stable, with growth and cardiovascular monitoring each time.
05
Why families choose us for this
- Dedicated 45 to 60 minute evaluation slots
- Teacher and parent rating scales sent and collected by our staff
- Direct referral into Iowa Early ACCESS for children under three
- Mental health follow-ups available by telehealth so school is not missed
06
Questions parents ask about this
Not answered here? Call the front desk or send a portal message. Neither is a silly question.
All FAQsThe AAP guideline covers ages 4 through 18. Under 6, behavioral parent training is the first-line treatment, not medication. We are cautious with young children because normal four-year-olds are impulsive by design.
No. The single strongest predictor of outcome is how early intervention starts, and Iowa Early ACCESS is free and does not need a diagnosis. Waiting to see costs months that matter.
Most straightforward ADHD, anxiety and speech delay we manage here with a therapist alongside. We refer to developmental-behavioral pediatrics or psychology for complex presentations, suspected autism needing formal assessment, or when treatment is not working.
A diagnosis is what unlocks accommodations, and it is protected health information. We talk through exactly who sees it, what goes to the school, and what you control.
07
Related services
Well-child visits
The full Bright Futures periodicity schedule from the first week to age 21, with the screening, plotting and anticipatory guidance each age actually needs.
School and sports physicals
Iowa school entry certificates, IHSAA and IGHSAU sports forms, camp paperwork and medication authorizations, all handled at one visit.
Same-day sick visits
Phones open at 7:30am and we hold sick slots at all three clinics every day, including Saturday mornings at Ingersoll.
Bring your child to people who have the time
Request an appointment online and we call you back within one business day. Newborn requests are called back the same morning.