The History of ADHD

When we Baby Boomers were growing up this acronym was virtually unknown.  ADHD was actually mentioned for the first time more than a century ago by a British doctor Sir George Sill.  He described it as an “abnormal defect of moral control in children”.  Today, we understand that our kids are not defective just “wired a little differently”.

Seventy years or so ago it became all about drugs when Benzedrine was introduced as a medicine to control ADHD.  Doctors discovered a notable improvement in children’s overall behavior and in the classroom.  It was really not until 1968 when the APA finally identified “hyperkinetic impulse disorder”

Today’s parents have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to ADHD.  One thing is certain.  If you live in the New York Metropolitan Area there is an accomplished and highly respected child psychologist named Steven Sussman.  We invite you to give him a call and have you and your child (or children) visit him in his Mountainside NJ office at (908) 217-8106.

Don't Miss the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade 2017

NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade 2017

(Click the link above for more information)

"The NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade can be viewed along 5th Avenue between 44th Street and 79th Street from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The Parade can also be watched live on NBCNewYork.com beginning at 11:00 a.m. on March 17."

Oh, Not Again…I Give Up!

As the parent of a child who acts up at home and at school sometimes you just want to throw in the towel and let someone else deal with your stubborn-minded kid.  You are tired of scolding, grounding, and in some cases even medicating your child.  Over-medication is an epidemic in America among young and old alike.

An excellent child psychologist will council you on the potential hazard of medication to ameliorate unwanted behavior.  Your kid is not an animal that needs to be tranquilized!  Maybe the worst thing about medication is that it may only “mask” a problem and never get to the root of it so that it may be corrected.

To solve a problem you must get to the root of it.  Now, who is more capable of that…you or a licensed child behaviorist in the New York metropolitan area?  I think that you know the answer to that immediately.  Visit the website www.sussmankids.com then pick up the phone and arrange a meeting with Dr. Steven Sussman at either one of his NYC area offices by calling (908) 217-8106.

What is ASD?

ASD in the acronym for Autistic Spectrum Disorder.  As we learn more, we are finding that ASD is becoming quite common.  It specifically targets our children who may be having difficulty getting along with others.  When this occurs, they may shut down and simply stop interacting with their peers causing deep depression.

Parents, you need to know what traits to look for in your kids.  Among them are –

1.  Ongoing lack of communication and interaction skills with others.

2.  Repeatedly showing a lack of interest in outside activities.

3.  Social and school functioning is obviously inhibited.

4.  Watch for these symptoms in the first two years of your child’s life.

Do not bury your head in the sand.  If you notice these signs of Autistic Spectrum Disorder seek the help of a professional.   In the tri-state area arrange a visit with Dr. Steven Sussman.  Change your family’s future today by scheduling a meeting with Dr. Sussman.  He will assess your kid’s possible ASD and recommend treatments.  Dr. Sussman maintains offices in Union County, New Jersey and Staten Island, New York.  Call him at (908) 217-8106.

Rising rates of Middle-School Suicides.

Just recently a new statistic reared its ugly head.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study that for the first time in this country middle-school students are just as likely to die from suicide as from traffic accidents.  If this is not an eye-opener for everyone with a child in this age group I don’t know what is.

In this century, the rate of suicide compared to car crashes has quadrupled!  The CDC’s most recent statistics show that in 2014 there were 425 kids in this age cell that took their own lives.  While safety in travel has accounted for the decrease in car fatalities that does not ameliorate the fact that over 400 of our nation’s children have found it impossible to go on…not to mention those who tried and, thank heaven failed.

Constant exposure to social media is cited as a primary reason.  Now, when something hurtful is said or written “everyone” knows.  That peer pressure is just too overwhelming for some.  If you live in the tri-state area arrange a visit with Dr. Steven Sussman.  Schedule a meeting with one of the area’s premier child psychologists.  Dr. Sussman maintains offices in Union County, New Jersey and Staten Island, New York.  Call him at (908) 217-8106.

Do You Have a Shutdown Learner?

Years ago this term was unknown, but today it has become recognized as a child who integrates well with others, but shows little or no sign of interest in classroom participation.  You are frustrated as a parent because it seems as if your kid just does not care about academics.  Where is that happy, engaging child that you know and love when it comes to school work?

Some children show great aptitude in many different things that require study and concentration.  Then, they go to their respective classrooms and are completely unenthusiastic and disengaged.  On many occasions, they have pained expression on their faces when a similar project outside of class would have been met with great enthusiasm and commitment.

If you suspect that you are the parent of a shutdown learner then seek professional help.  The man to call in this area is Dr. Steven Sussman.  For decades he has worked with kids just like yours that have no motivation in the classroom.  Don’t wait another minute.  Arrange for a meeting with Dr. Sussman at his Mountainside, NJ office by calling (908) 217-8106.

Your Child’s Behavior During the Holidays.

As everyone gathered together last month to celebrate the holidays how did your children behave in these rare social settings?  Have you been noticing something in their manner that needs to be addressed in 2017?  There is no need to “hide your head in the sand” or think that the behavior that you have just witnessed is going away on its own.

If you could consult with someone who has had a Doctorate in clinical psychology for nearly four decades, would that be a great idea for the New Year?  What if that professional child psychologist was so well respected in his field that he has even TAUGHT courses to others in the area of child psychology?  That would be a home run!

That Metropolitan Area child psychologist is just a phone call away.  His name is Dr. Steven Sussman.  For decades he has worked with kids who now have kids of their own in correcting behavioral problems before they get out of hand.  I can’t think of a better New Year’s resolution than resolving to have a more synchronistic family.  Arrange for a meeting with Dr. Sussman at his Mountainside, NJ office by calling (908) 217 8106.