Understanding ADHD, ADD, PDA & Selective Mutism: Support at Tikvah Family Services
Introduction
adhd pda selective mutism tikvah-At Tikvah Family Services, we are committed to supporting children with diverse developmental and emotional needs. Many families come to us with questions about conditions like ADHD, ADD, PDA, and Selective Mutism. Understanding what these diagnoses mean is the first step toward helping your child thrive. This article explains each condition and how our team at Tikvah provides tailored support, including play therapy, family coaching, and school collaboration.
🧠 What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child’s ability to focus, sit still, and manage impulses.
🔍 Common Signs of ADHD:
- Difficulty paying attention
- Fidgeting or squirming
- Impulsivity (blurting, interrupting)
- Trouble with organization and time management
ADHD is one of the most common conditions we work with at Tikvah. With personalized behavior strategies, therapy, and parent coaching, children with ADHD can thrive both at home and school.
🧠 What Does ADD/ADHD Stand For?
- ADD: Attention Deficit Disorder (older term, now considered a type of ADHD without hyperactivity)
- ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Both terms describe a child who may struggle with attention and/or hyperactivity. ADHD now includes three presentations:
- Inattentive Type (formerly ADD)
- Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
- Combined Type
Tikvah provides individualized therapy and school advocacy to support children across the ADHD spectrum.
💬 What Does ADD Disorder Stand For?
“ADD disorder” is an older, less accurate term. The correct term today is ADHD – Inattentive Type. Children with this presentation are often:
- Quiet
- Distracted easily
- Forgetful or disorganized
These children are sometimes overlooked in classroom settings because they don’t show disruptive behavior. At Tikvah, we help parents and educators recognize these signs early and implement supportive strategies.
🌪️ What is PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance)?
PDA stands for Pathological Demand Avoidance, a profile seen in some autistic individuals. Children with PDA feel extreme anxiety when faced with everyday demands, leading to avoidance or refusal.
📌 Signs of PDA May Include:
- Intense need for control
- Meltdowns when demands are made
- Social strategies to avoid doing tasks
- Seeming “manipulative” but driven by anxiety
At Tikvah Family Services, we understand that PDA is not defiance — it’s a stress response. We offer:
- Trauma-informed therapy
- Parent support
- Flexible therapy plans to reduce demand anxiety
🔇 What is Selective Mutism?
Selective Mutism is an anxiety disorder where a child is able to speak, but unable to speak in certain social situations, such as school or public settings.
🧠 Signs of Selective Mutism:
- Speaks freely at home but is silent elsewhere
- Avoids eye contact
- Appears “frozen” in group settings
- Anxiety before going to school or social events
Tikvah offers child-centered, gentle exposure-based therapy including:
- Play therapy
- Art therapy
- Support for teachers and caregivers
- Family-based intervention strategies
🌟 How Tikvah Family Services Can Help
We specialize in supporting children with:
- ADHD & Inattention
- Anxiety-based conditions like PDA & Selective Mutism
- Autism Spectrum Profiles
- Speech and language differences
Our services include:
- Therapeutic play and art therapy
- Psychological assessments
- Parent coaching
- Collaboration with schools and IEP teams
- Virtual and in-person sessions
