Autism & ADHD Care for Children
Comprehensive Developmental & Behavioral Support in Lawrenceville, GA
At Pediatric Associates of Lawrenceville, we know that a child who struggles with attention, behavior, or social development can leave a family with more questions than answers. Whether you're noticing early signs of autism spectrum disorder or watching your child struggle to focus at school, our team is here to guide you from first concern through diagnosis and ongoing support — all without leaving your child's medical home.
Early Diagnosis, Close to Home
To help close that gap, PAL offers ECHO Autism Early Diagnostic Evaluations for qualifying patients ages 14 to 48 months, conducted by Dr. Jonathan Wood, a certified ECHO Autism Primary Care Clinician. The evaluation unfolds over three visits:
- Visit 1 (1 hour): A complete medical and behavioral history, plus a full medical exam.
- Visit 2 (45 minutes): A structured, play-based behavioral observation assessing how your child plays, communicates, and interacts.
- Visit 3 (20 minutes): A results discussion. If a diagnosis is confirmed, you'll leave with clear referrals and next steps.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Understanding Autism
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by differences in social communication and behavior. Its exact cause is still unknown, though the evidence is clear that autism is not linked to childhood vaccines.
According to the CDC's most recent estimates (2023), roughly 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum. Most children later diagnosed show early signs by age 3 — but fewer than half are evaluated that early, and diagnosis is often delayed by 2–3 years. That delay matters: the sooner a child begins evidence-based support, the better positioned they are to build the skills they need to thrive.
Ongoing Autism Care
Every child on the spectrum is different, and so is the support they need. Our providers work closely with families to understand each child's individual challenges — whether that's difficulty with focus, sleep, or emotional regulation — and connect you with the right specialists and community resources for your child's specific needs. We've also compiled a downloadable list of autism resources for families navigating a diagnosis.
Recognizing the Symptoms
ADHD symptoms generally fall into three categories — inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity — and each child experiences a different mix and severity.
Inattention may look like:
- Difficulty focusing at school or during play
- Trouble organizing tasks
- Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort
- Frequently losing items or forgetting homework and chores
Hyperactivity and impulsivity may look like:
- Fidgeting or difficulty staying seated
- Running or climbing at inappropriate times
- Interrupting or talking excessively
- Acting or speaking without thinking things through
Many children with ADHD also struggle with working memory — the ability to hold information in mind long enough to plan, calculate, or coordinate multiple steps of a task.
ADHD Evaluations & Ongoing Care
What Is ADHD?
Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder have measurable differences in brain development compared to children without ADHD — certain regions mature more slowly, and imbalances in neural networks and neurotransmitters affect how the brain communicates internally. This matters for parents: ADHD isn't a matter of a child choosing to be defiant. The brain regions involved govern self-regulation, organization, working memory, and problem-solving — which is exactly why symptoms show up the way they do.
How We Support an ADHD Diagnosis
Our team evaluates ADHD using a combination of symptom checklists, conversations with parents and children, and questionnaires completed by both parents and teachers, alongside a full physical exam to rule out other causes. Once a diagnosis is made, your child's pediatrician works with you to build a personalized care plan and schedules regular follow-ups to track progress — one that reflects your family's needs and preferences.
If you or your child's teacher have concerns about inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive behavior, we're here to help.
Schedule an Evaluation
Autism and ADHD often surface around the same developmental stages, and many families come to us with overlapping questions about both. Our providers are equipped to evaluate, diagnose, and support children with either condition — or both — under one roof.
