By Dr. Tamara Zach MD — May 20, 2026
If your child is struggling in school, can't sit still, or acts before thinking, you might be wondering whether ADHD is behind it. For families around Phoenix, the difference between a useful evaluation and a wasted one comes down to finding an ADHD specialist for children who does a real workup instead of running through a checklist. At Rose Medical Pavilion, Dr. Tamara Zach MD evaluates and manages ADHD in children and teens across the Valley using her training in pediatric neurology.
what ADHD is and why a neurologist's input matters
ADHD is among the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in childhood, affecting roughly 9 to 10% of school-age children in the U.S. It's not a behavior problem, and it's not a child who refuses to try. It comes from real differences in how the brain develops and works, especially in the systems that handle attention, impulse control, and executive functioning.
Since ADHD starts in the brain, a pediatric neurologist brings something extra to the evaluation. Dr. Zach can tell whether a child's symptoms point to ADHD or whether something else is involved. Some children sent in for ADHD evaluation turn out to have pediatric seizures, sleep disorders, or pediatric headaches that imitate or worsen attention problems. Catching those early changes the whole treatment.
signs your child may need an evaluation
No two children with ADHD look the same. It shows up in three subtypes: mostly inattentive, mostly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. Here's what usually prompts parents in Phoenix to call:
- Trouble staying focused on homework, reading, or classroom tasks
- Losing backpacks, pencils, or sports equipment again and again
- Acting on impulse, interrupting, and struggling to wait for a turn
- Constant fidgeting, getting out of the seat, never staying still
- Careless mistakes despite plenty of intelligence and effort
- Quick frustration, meltdowns, and a low tolerance for disappointment
- Difficulty following multi-step instructions at home or school
Arizona's heat and long school year pile on extra stress for kids who already have trouble regulating themselves. When recess gets cut during Phoenix summers, hyperactive children lose an outlet they need, and their symptoms can look worse than they really are.
what a real ADHD evaluation involves
History and clinical interview
The evaluation at Rose Medical Pavilion starts with a detailed developmental and medical history. Dr. Zach goes through your child's prenatal history, developmental milestones, family medical background, school performance, and how they get along socially. She gathers information from parents directly and reviews teacher input when she can get it, because the symptoms have to show up in more than one setting to meet diagnostic criteria.
Neurological examination
As a board-eligible pediatric neurologist, Dr. Zach does a full neurological exam during the evaluation. That lets her look past ADHD for any co-occurring findings worth chasing down. Sometimes she'll order a pediatric EEG to rule out seizure activity that could be causing lapses in attention or staring spells that get mistaken for daydreaming.
Standardized rating scales and tools
Validated rating scales like the Vanderbilt Assessment Scales or Conners Rating Scales capture parent and teacher observations in a structured way. They keep the diagnosis grounded in evidence rather than a single observation or one quick office visit.
treatment that fits the child
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, Dr. Zach builds a treatment plan with the family. Managing ADHD well usually means combining a few approaches.
Medication management
For many children, FDA-approved medication, stimulant or non-stimulant, sharpens attention, impulse control, and daily functioning. Dr. Zach picks, monitors, and adjusts medication based on your child's age, weight, symptom pattern, and any other conditions in the picture. She follows up closely to fine-tune the treatment as time goes on.
Behavioral therapy and school supports
Medication alone rarely does the job. Behavioral therapy, especially parent training in behavior management, is the first recommendation for younger children. Dr. Zach works with families to get the right accommodations at school, like a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and she can write the documentation those processes require.
Arizona resources for families
Arizona families have several state programs to draw on. For children under three with developmental concerns, the Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP) provides evaluation and services at no cost. School-age children may qualify for behavioral health services through AHCCCS, the state's Medicaid program, which covers mental health and behavioral therapy for eligible kids. Dr. Zach's team can point families toward these when they fit.
ADHD and the conditions that come with it
ADHD rarely shows up by itself. Many children with ADHD also deal with anxiety, learning disabilities, sensory processing differences, or mood challenges. Some have tics and Tourette syndrome alongside it, which changes how you choose medications and therapies. Dr. Zach's neurology training lets her evaluate and treat that whole range instead of looking at ADHD in a vacuum.
You can read more about Dr. Zach's background, training, and approach to pediatric neurology on our about Dr. Tamara Zach MD page.
helping your child do well in Phoenix and beyond
A diagnosis isn't a ceiling. It's a place to start. With an accurate diagnosis and a thoughtful plan, children with ADHD do well in school, make good friends, and grow confident in what they can do. At Rose Medical Pavilion, the aim isn't just to manage symptoms but to help each child reach their full potential.
If you're searching for a trusted pediatric ADHD specialist in Phoenix, AZ, we invite you to take the next step. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Tamara Zach MD at Rose Medical Pavilion and give your child the comprehensive, expert-led evaluation they deserve.
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.