By Dr. Tamara Zach MD — May 24, 2026
If your child struggles with attention or behavior, the hardest part is often knowing whether you're watching normal development or something that needs attention. ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in children, and one of the most often misdiagnosed. An accurate diagnosis is what lets you actually help your child at school and at home.
what ADHD actually looks like in children
ADHD isn't just a kid who can't sit still. It shows up differently depending on age, temperament, and which subtype is involved.
the three presentations of ADHD
- Predominantly Inattentive: The child loses focus, misses details, forgets instructions, and can't finish tasks. This shows up often in girls and gets overlooked because these kids aren't disruptive.
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive: The child is constantly moving, interrupts, can't wait their turn, and acts before thinking.
- Combined Presentation: The most common type, with symptoms from both categories.
ADHD rarely shows up by itself. Many children diagnosed with it also have anxiety, learning disabilities, sleep problems, or motor coordination trouble. And some symptoms that look like ADHD have a neurological cause that needs its own evaluation. Certain types of pediatric seizures, for example, cause attention lapses or staring episodes that get mistaken for inattention. A neurological assessment rules these out.
why accurate diagnosis matters for East Valley families
In high-achieving school districts like Mesa Unified, Gilbert Public Schools, and Chandler Unified, children with undiagnosed ADHD fall behind early and carry that gap forward. They get labeled lazy or unmotivated when they're working harder than their classmates just to keep up. A missed or wrong diagnosis follows kids into their grades, their self-esteem, and their friendships.
Overdiagnosis is a real problem too. Not every energetic or distracted child has ADHD. Arizona's heat matters here: during the brutal summer months, kids spend far more time indoors, usually on screens, with fewer ways to burn energy. That can temporarily worsen attention and impulsivity in children who don't have ADHD. A careful evaluation accounts for that.
what a proper ADHD evaluation involves
A responsible diagnosis never comes from one office visit or a single questionnaire. At Rose Medical Pavilion, Dr. Tamara Zach MD evaluates children using an evidence-based process built on her training in pediatric neurology and her work with children across the East Valley and greater Phoenix.
key components of a thorough evaluation
- Detailed developmental and medical history: The child's history starting in infancy, including pregnancy and birth details, milestones, and any prior diagnoses or treatments.
- Behavioral rating scales: Standardized tools filled out by both parents and teachers, showing how the child behaves across different settings.
- Neurological examination: A hands-on exam of cognitive function, motor skills, reflexes, and coordination to find any neurological causes.
- Review of school records and prior testing: Academic data and existing psychoeducational testing fill out the picture.
- Targeted diagnostic studies when indicated: Sometimes a pediatric EEG rules out seizure activity that could be driving attention or behavioral symptoms.
Dr. Zach also checks for conditions that travel with ADHD, including tics and Tourette syndrome, which often appear alongside it and change how treatment should go.
Arizona-specific resources for families
Arizona families have support systems that work alongside a medical diagnosis and treatment plan.
early intervention and school-based services
For younger children showing early developmental or attention concerns, the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) provides evaluations and services for children under three at no cost to eligible families. Once a child is in school, Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler districts are required under federal law to evaluate children who might qualify for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan, both of which set up classroom accommodations for kids with ADHD.
insurance and coverage
For families on AHCCCS, Arizona's Medicaid program, behavioral health services for ADHD evaluation and treatment are generally covered. Work with your primary care coordinator or specialty provider to sort out authorization requirements and East Valley network options.
when to see a pediatric neurology specialist
Pediatricians handle initial ADHD screening well, but some cases call for a pediatric neurologist. That includes an unclear diagnosis, first-line treatments that haven't worked, co-occurring neurological symptoms, or a family that wants the most thorough evaluation possible before starting medication.
If your child also has unexplained headaches, mood swings, or other neurological symptoms along with attention trouble, a specialist matters more. Pediatric headaches and migraines often co-occur with ADHD, and treating both together produces better results.
take the next step for your child
If you think your child in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, or anywhere in the East Valley may have ADHD, you don't have to guess or wait. A clear diagnosis gives your family the ground to make real decisions about school supports, behavioral strategies, and treatment, so your child can stop struggling.
Dr. Tamara Zach MD and the team at Rose Medical Pavilion in Phoenix, AZ can help. Schedule a consultation and start getting answers for your child.
Schedule an Appointment
Questions about your child's neurological health? Dr. Tamara Zach MD at Rose Medical Pavilion is here to help. Call (623) 257-ROSE (7673) or schedule online.