Calgary Parents' Guide to ADHD: Understanding, Supporting, and Accessing Care

A Practical Resource for Calgary Families, Schools, and Healthcare Providers
Core Psychology | Marda Loop | Evidence-Based ADHD Support & Counselling

Understanding ADHD: Beyond Attention Challenges

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions diagnosed in children, teens, and adults. While often associated with attention difficulties, ADHD is a complex condition that can affect many areas of functioning, including:

  • Focus and sustained attention

  • Impulse control

  • Emotional regulation

  • Organization and time management

  • Academic and work performance

  • Social relationships

At Core Psychology, we partner with families, schools, and healthcare providers across Calgary to support children and adults navigating ADHD. This guide offers a clear, evidence-based overview of ADHD symptoms, when to seek support, treatment options, and how to access appropriate care.

How ADHD Presents at Different Ages

In Children:

  • Trouble following multi-step instructions

  • Easily distracted during tasks or play

  • Frequent forgetfulness or losing items

  • Impulsive behaviour (blurting, difficulty waiting turns)

  • High energy levels and difficulty sitting still

  • Emotional outbursts or sensitivity to frustration

In Teens:

  • Difficulty managing homework and long-term assignments

  • Struggles with organization and planning

  • Poor time management and procrastination

  • Emotional reactivity, mood swings, or sensitivity to feedback

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Growing academic or social pressures

In Adults:

  • Chronic disorganization or clutter

  • Difficulty starting or completing tasks

  • Poor time management

  • Forgetfulness or missed appointments

  • Impulsivity in decision making or conversations

  • Work or relationship difficulties linked to emotional regulation challenges

When to Seek Professional Support for ADHD

Assessment and therapy may be beneficial when:

  • Symptoms are persistent across multiple environments (school, home, work)

  • Daily functioning, learning, or relationships are significantly impacted

  • Emotional frustration or anxiety develops around performance struggles

  • Parent, teacher, or self-reports raise concerns about inattention or impulsivity

  • Coping strategies are no longer sufficient

Evidence-Based ADHD Assessment and Treatment in Calgary

At Core Psychology, we provide comprehensive ADHD services for children, teens, and adults, including:

ADHD Assessments:

  • Detailed clinical interviews with parents, caregivers, and individuals

  • Standardized ADHD-specific rating scales

  • Evaluation of academic, behavioural, emotional, and family functioning

  • Collaboration with schools and healthcare providers when needed

Treatment Approaches:

  • Psychoeducation: Helping individuals and families understand ADHD and its impact

  • Parent Coaching & Support: Equipping caregivers with strategies to support their child effectively

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Addressing emotional regulation, frustration tolerance, and self-esteem

  • Executive Function Coaching: Building skills for organization, time management, planning, and task initiation

  • Emotional Regulation Skills (DBT-informed): Supporting emotional stability and resilience

  • School Collaboration: Coordinating with teachers to support academic accommodations and classroom success

Our collaborative care approach recognizes the unique needs of each client and family, providing personalized, compassionate care.

Why Early Identification and Intervention Matter

Identifying and addressing ADHD early can:

  • Improve academic and occupational outcomes

  • Reduce frustration, anxiety, and family stress

  • Strengthen self-confidence and resilience

  • Equip caregivers with effective parenting tools

  • Promote healthy relationships and communication

Our team works alongside families, schools, and healthcare providers to create integrated support plans tailored to each individual.

Referring to Core Psychology for ADHD Services

We welcome referrals from:

  • Family physicians and pediatricians

  • Psychiatrists

  • School counsellors and teachers

  • Speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists

  • Mental health providers

Referral Options:

  • Self-referral: Families may contact us directly.

  • Professional referral: Providers may call or email to discuss the case and coordinate services.

Contact Information:
Phone: 403-488-8912
Email: admin@corepsychology.com
Location: Marda Loop, Calgary
Website: www.corepsychology.com

Urgent Considerations

While ADHD itself is not typically a crisis diagnosis, timely intervention is critical when:

  • Emotional dysregulation leads to self-harm, severe outbursts, or aggression

  • Academic or occupational functioning is at risk of failure

  • Co-occurring anxiety, depression, or oppositional behaviours develop

We encourage open communication with healthcare providers if additional support is needed.

About Core Psychology

Located in Calgary's Marda Loop community, Core Psychology offers specialized ADHD assessments and evidence-based treatment for children, teens, and adults. Our experienced team provides thorough evaluations, tailored therapy, and parent coaching designed to empower individuals and families. We work collaboratively with Calgary's medical, educational, and allied health communities to ensure coordinated, compassionate care.