Attention deficit and related disorders program (ADHD)
Through the integration of clinical care and research, the ADHD program provides highly specialized services in the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with ADHD and related difficulties with behaviour, language and learning and Tourette Syndrome.
Scientists on this team have made important contributions in the areas of diagnosis and classification, the role of cognition and executive function in ADHD, as well as in molecular genetics in ADHD. We study the origins and contributing factors of these disorders to better understand treatment response and long-term outcomes in relation to various models of care.
This section includes information on:
What we do
Clinical services provided by the Neuropsychiatry Team include diagnostic consultations, medication management, family based therapy and parent based therapy. Many of the families served by our clinic may also have the option to participate in a variety of research projects.
Specific programs
Comprehensive assessment – clinical-research program
Children participating in our clinical-research program receive a comprehensive evaluation. This assessment consists of diagnostic interviews with parents and teachers, as well as evaluation of the child’s cognitive and language abilities, as well as the emotional factors affecting the child and family. At the end of a full-day evaluation, the clinical team shares the results with the family. For additional information regarding this program contact the Intake Coordinator, at 416-813-7361.
Genetic factors in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
The aim of this clinical-research program is to identify potential genetic factors that may contribute to ADHD. All participants in this program are eligible for a comprehensive assessment (as described above). For additional information regarding this program contact the intake coordinator at 416-813-8636.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of medication for ADHD
We provide comprehensive diagnostic assessments and psychiatric monitoring, including medication management for children with ADHD, tic disorders such as Tourette Syndrome, and associated emotional, behavioural, and learning problems. Care is provided by members of a multidisciplinary treatment team, which includes child psychiatrists, a child psychologist, a nurse practitioner, and senior psychiatry residents.
Parenting group
This is a six-week parent education program to help parents improve the way their family functions, influence their child’s behaviour, and develop supportive networks. Before entering this program, parents meet with one of our clinical teams for a diagnostic assessment. Following the initial program, an on-going follow-up group is offered in the form of a Graduates' Group that parents can choose to attend.
Medication Follow-up Clinic
Children who have undergone a diagnostic assessment by the Neuropsychiatry Team and meet criteria for ADHD have the option of coming to the medication follow-up clinic.
Anna Skyba, Advance Practice Nurse, as well as staff psychiatrists and senior psychiatry residents provide initiation and clinical monitoring of medication as a treatment intervention for ADHD.
Training Programs
As SickKids is a teaching hospital, The Neuropsychiatry Team frequently includes trainees from a variety of mental health disciplines. Please see information on our education programs.
How to make a referral
Please see general information on referring patients to The Hospital for Sick Children.
We provide comprehensive diagnostic assessments for children with attention, tic and related disorders,aged 6-17, through our clinical and research programs. Patients of this clinic may also be provided with ongoing monitoring and treatment. A physician's referral is required. Families will be contacted by our intake worker, who will review their concerns and questions, and determine if our services would be appropriate for their child. Information will be provided to direct families to other clinics, if required, to assist families in obtaining services that meet the needs of their child.
Who can refer to our clinic
- Paediatricians and family physicians may refer children to our team.
How to send your referral
- Send your referral via ARMS, our on-line Ambulatory Referral Management System or
- Fax a completed referral form (available here in PDF format) to us at 416-813-7361.
Program staff
- Alice Charach, MD, FRCPC
Head, Neuropsychiatry Team
Staff Psychiatrist - Russell Schachar, MD, FRCPC
Senior Scientist, Research Institute
Staff Psychiatrist - Cathy Barr, PhD
Scientist, Research Institute,
Brain and Behaviour Programme - Jennifer Crosbie, PhD, C.Psych
Psychologist - Ken Gore, MA DipCS
Psychology Assistant - Daniel Gorman, MD, FRCPC
Staff Psychiatrist - Kim Harris, RN, BScN
Registered Nurse - Abel Ickowicz, MD, FRCPC
Psychiatrist-in-Chief - Elizabeth Lathrop, MSW, RSW
Social Worker - Debbie Minden, PhD. C.Psych
Psychologist - Anna Skyba, RN, CNS-NP
Clinical Nurse Specialist - Nurse Practitioner - Julie Solomon, MEd, S-LPC
Speech-Language Pathologist - Richard Sugarman, MSW, CSW
Social Worker - Kristina Klopfer
Intake Coordinator - Rosemary Tannock, PhD
Senior Scientist, Research Institute,
Brain and Behaviour Programme - Patricia Dobson
Senior Secretary
Contact us
Kristina Klopfler
Intake Coordinater
Psychiatry
The Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Avenue
1550 Burton Wing
Toronto,
On
M5G 1X8
Canada
Phone: 416-813-8636
email: kristina.klopfer@sickkids.ca