Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) might be diagnosed when an individual is unable to sustain age-appropriate levels of attention and/or concentration at school, home, and other settings. The individual may display symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), by contrast, is the commonly used term when the individual does not display hyperactivity symptoms (although ADD is not an official diagnosis).

Some physicians treat the symptoms of ADHD and ADD with medication or behavior modification techniques. Families sometimes use diet and supplements to try to mitigate the symptoms. However, we have found that there are many cognitive-related reasons that a child might have difficulty paying attention or be overly active. Some of them include:

  • Trouble comprehending information
  • Learning disorders
  • Memory difficulties
  • Visual or auditory processing challenges
  • Chronic illness such as asthma, allergies, or sleep disturbances
  • Emotional disturbances
  • Behavioral challenges

Our approach at Acorn to Oak is to attempt to identify the underlying causes of inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. We then address these core issues through self regulation and self advocacy skills, rather than with medication.

Our Process

At Acorn to Oak, we aim to fully understand why a child is struggling with attention before building a behavior-based treatment plan. Identifying their unique set of cognitive strengths and weaknesses is accomplished through the following neuropsychological assessment process.

First, a psychologist will meet with the parents or caregivers and the child (depending on the child’s age) for a clinical interview. The interview will enable the parents or caregivers to describe the current issues and provide a developmental history of the student.

Next, the team will perform a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. This step will take about 10 to 12 hours of face-to-face time with the child. Less time is required for children under the age of six. Typically, two to three sessions are needed to complete a comprehensive evaluation.

Finally, the parents or caregivers meet with the psychologist to discuss the test results and recommendations for treatment.

Our Treatments

At Acorn to Oak, our team provides behavior based treatment for children dealing with symptoms commonly associated with ADD and ADHD, such as hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity. We will not prescribe pharmaceutical treatments. Rather, our treatments’ emphasis is on building self regulation and self advocacy skills to set the child up for success.

Contact Acorn to Oak for a Free Consultation

Your child may have been diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, or you are concerned that they have begun displaying signs of one of these conditions. Acorn to Oak’s assessment will help you understand how your child’s brain works and how specific cognitive skill building can help treat the source of their attention and/or hyperactivity  issues. Then, you can put these skills in practice to mitigate the symptoms daily and coordinate with your child’s school for support.

There’s no obligation when you contact Acorn to Oak. Contact us today to discuss how we may be able to help you and your child.

Our Team

Terrie-Naramor

Terrie Naramor

Neuropsychologist

Dr. Naramor specializes in the diagnosis of developmental, learning, behavioral, and memory challenges. She has helped adults, children, and families identify and address underlying challenges for more than 30 years. As a former teacher, she is uniquely equipped to understand the impact of learning disorders and behavior in the classroom.
Dr. Naramor spent many years as an adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University and Azuza Pacific University teaching aspiring therapists lifespan development and how to effectively administer, score, and interpret testing to make accurate diagnoses. Dr. Naramor loves to spend time with her husband and their large family. She also loves to bake, read, and travel, and is an avid collector of stamps in her US National Park passport.

Kenne-Sparks

Kenne Sparks

Skills Trainer

“Mr. Kenne” is a Texas native and a proud graduate of Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism. He brings over 10 years of experience as a secondary reading teacher and more than 20 years of experience in cognitive training – working with individuals with learning and cognitive disabilities, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, and high-functioning autism. Throughout his career, Kenne has helped clients strengthen memory, logic, processing speed, attention, and self-esteem. He has worked alongside Dr. Naramor for over a decade – working with her clients as a cognitive trainer, training her new staff of cognitive trainers, and playing a key role in developing her phonics curriculum which has contributed to non-readers becoming confident, proficient readers. In his free time, Kenne enjoys fitness, the visual and performing arts, and cooking.

Kim Fore

Kim Fore

Skills Trainer

Kim Fore is a North Dallas native and 2003 graduate from the University of North Texas with a Bachelors degree in Political Science. She comes to us with a unique background in performing arts, management and training. This background makes her especially adept at developing clients’ social skills, motivation and self-confidence. She has always had a great passion for supporting others in their growth and discovery through creativity and learning. Kim loves traveling with her husband, her many indoor plants, games, and her two small dogs.

Amy Merritt

Amy Merritt

Administrative Director

Amy has lived in the Metroplex for almost 25 years and has a BA in English from University of North Texas. As former teacher, Amy loves working as the Administrative Director at ATO, especially the opportunity to build relationships with our clients and their families, helping new clients feel welcome, and keeping the ship running from day today. Amy and her husband Chris have 3 kids and live in McKinney. She enjoys serving at their church, reading, paddle boarding, and playing board games.

Michael-Naramor

Matthew Naramor

Operations Manager

Matthew has a B.S. in business from Pepperdine University and a Masters in Psychology from Grand Canyon University with plans to earn his Doctorate in Psychology. In his spare time he enjoys playing guitar and grilling.