ADHD & ADD Therapy for Children & Teens in Venice, FL
Evidence-based ADHD therapy for young people at our Venice, Florida office.
Helping children, teens, and young adults manage attention, focus, and executive function challenges through personalized therapeutic strategies.
Therapy SRQ provides specialized ADHD and ADD therapy for children, adolescents, and young adults at our Venice, Florida office. Christine Murawski, M.A., LMHC works with young people and their families to address the academic, behavioral, social, and emotional challenges that accompany attention deficit disorders through individualized, evidence-based treatment. Our Venice location at 200 Capri Isles Blvd., Ste. 7G serves families throughout Venice, South Venice, Nokomis, Osprey, Englewood, North Port, Warm Mineral Springs, Wellen Park, and the surrounding Gulf Coast communities.
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders affecting children and adolescents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 9.8% of children aged 3 to 17 in the United States have been diagnosed with ADHD, with boys being diagnosed roughly twice as often as girls. However, research increasingly shows that ADHD in girls is significantly underdiagnosed because their symptoms more often present as inattention rather than hyperactivity, leading many girls to go without support during critical developmental years.
What Is ADHD in Children & Teens?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a young person’s ability to regulate attention, control impulses, and manage executive functions such as planning, organization, and task completion. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes three presentations of ADHD: predominantly inattentive (formerly called ADD), predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined presentation. Each child’s experience with ADHD is unique, and symptoms can shift over time as the child develops.
At our Venice practice, we use a combination of evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to each child’s specific ADHD presentation and developmental stage. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps older children and teens develop practical strategies for organization, time management, and emotional regulation. For younger children, Play Therapy provides a developmentally appropriate way to build focus, self-regulation, and social skills. We also work closely with parents through behavioral parent training to create consistent structure and positive reinforcement systems at home.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend behavioral therapy as the first-line treatment for children under age 6 with ADHD, and as an important component of treatment for all age groups. Our approach aligns with these guidelines, focusing on building skills and strategies that help young people succeed academically, socially, and emotionally — with or without medication as part of their treatment plan.
Families in Venice and neighboring communities like Englewood, North Port, Wellen Park, and Port Charlotte choose Therapy SRQ because we take the time to understand how ADHD specifically affects their child’s daily life — at school, at home, and in social settings — and build a treatment plan that addresses those real-world challenges.
Signs of ADHD in Children & Teens
ADHD symptoms vary depending on the child’s age, ADHD presentation, and individual temperament. Venice area parents should be aware of the following signs that may indicate their child is struggling with ADHD or ADD:
- Difficulty sustaining attention during schoolwork, homework, or activities that require concentration
- Frequently losing school supplies, assignments, or personal belongings
- Appearing not to listen when spoken to directly, even without obvious distractions
- Difficulty following through on instructions or completing tasks, often jumping between activities
- Struggling with organization — messy backpacks, missed deadlines, forgotten assignments
- Fidgeting, squirming, or inability to stay seated in classroom or structured settings
- Excessive talking, blurting out answers, or difficulty waiting their turn
- Acting impulsively without considering consequences, including physical risk-taking
- Emotional outbursts, frustration intolerance, or difficulty managing disappointment
- Social difficulties — interrupting others, missing social cues, or struggling to maintain friendships
- Underperforming academically relative to their intellectual ability
- Daydreaming or appearing “spacey,” particularly in girls with inattentive presentation
If you recognize several of these patterns in your child, especially if they are causing problems at school, at home, or in social relationships, a professional evaluation can help determine whether ADHD is a contributing factor. The earlier ADHD is identified, the sooner effective strategies and supports can be put in place.
Conditions We Treat with ADHD Therapy in Venice
Our Venice ADHD therapists work with children and adolescents experiencing a range of attention-related conditions, including:
F90.0 — ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Difficulty sustaining focus, following through on tasks, and organizing activities, without significant hyperactivity. This presentation is more common in girls and often goes undiagnosed because the child may appear quiet or compliant rather than disruptive.
F90.1 — ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: Excessive physical movement, fidgeting, difficulty staying seated, and impulsive behaviors such as blurting out or acting without thinking. More commonly identified in younger children and boys.
F90.2 — ADHD, Combined Presentation: A combination of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms meeting clinical thresholds. This is the most commonly diagnosed presentation of ADHD in children and adolescents.
F90.8 — Other Specified Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Attention and impulsivity symptoms that cause significant functional impairment but do not fully meet the criteria for one of the three primary ADHD presentations.
F90.9 — ADHD, Unspecified: Clinically significant attention or hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms requiring further evaluation to determine the specific presentation.
F98.8 — Other Specified Behavioral and Emotional Disorders with Onset in Childhood: Attention and behavioral regulation difficulties that do not meet full ADHD diagnostic criteria but still cause meaningful challenges in academic and social functioning.
Each treatment plan is individually designed to address the child’s specific ADHD presentation, severity, and the areas of life most affected. We work closely with parents and, when appropriate, coordinate with schools and pediatricians in the Venice area to create a comprehensive support system.
How is ADHD different from normal childhood energy and distractibility?
All children can be energetic, impulsive, or inattentive at times, which is why distinguishing between typical behavior and ADHD can be challenging. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes that the key difference is the degree to which these behaviors are persistent, pervasive, and impairing. A child with ADHD experiences attention and impulse control difficulties across multiple settings — at school, at home, and in social situations — not just occasionally or in one context. These symptoms also cause measurable functional impairment, such as declining grades, difficulty maintaining friendships, or chronic behavioral problems. If you are unsure whether your child’s behavior falls within the typical range, a comprehensive evaluation by a licensed mental health professional can provide clarity and guide next steps.
What therapy approaches do you use for ADHD at your Venice office?
At our Venice location, we primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), behavioral therapy, and Play Therapy to address ADHD in children and teens. CBT helps older children and adolescents develop executive function strategies including organization, planning, time management, and emotional regulation. Behavioral therapy focuses on building positive behavior patterns through structured reinforcement, which we teach parents to implement consistently at home. For younger children, Play Therapy provides a developmentally appropriate way to practice focus, impulse control, and social skills. The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes behavioral interventions as a core component of effective ADHD treatment. We tailor our approach to each child’s age, ADHD presentation, and specific challenges.
Can ADHD be treated without medication?
Yes, for many children — particularly those under age 6 — behavioral therapy is recommended as the first-line treatment before medication is considered. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Clinical Practice Guidelines specifically recommend behavioral therapy as the primary intervention for preschool-aged children with ADHD. For school-age children and adolescents, the AAP recommends a combination of behavioral therapy and medication for moderate to severe cases, though behavioral therapy alone can be effective for milder presentations. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Christine Murawski does not prescribe medication but can coordinate with your child’s pediatrician or a psychiatrist if a medication evaluation is appropriate. Many families find that developing strong behavioral strategies through therapy reduces the need for medication or enhances its effectiveness.
Does ADHD look different in girls than in boys?
Yes, research increasingly shows that ADHD presents differently in girls, which contributes to significant underdiagnosis. The CDC reports that boys are diagnosed with ADHD approximately twice as often as girls, but experts believe this gap reflects diagnostic bias rather than true prevalence differences. Girls with ADHD more commonly exhibit the inattentive presentation — appearing daydreamy, disorganized, or forgetful rather than hyperactive or disruptive. Because they may not exhibit the visible behavioral problems that prompt teacher referrals, girls often develop compensatory strategies that mask their difficulties until the demands of middle school, high school, or college exceed their ability to cope. Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) emphasizes the importance of screening girls for inattentive ADHD, particularly when they show academic underperformance relative to ability, social anxiety, or low self-esteem without an obvious cause.
Does insurance cover ADHD therapy for children at your Venice location?
Many insurance plans provide coverage for mental health services, including ADHD therapy for children and adolescents. Our Venice office accepts a variety of major insurance providers. We recommend contacting your insurance company to verify your behavioral health benefits, including copays, deductibles, and session limits. Our team can provide the diagnostic and billing codes needed to help you navigate the insurance process. For families without insurance coverage or who prefer not to use insurance, we offer self-pay options and can discuss sliding scale arrangements.
Begin ADHD Therapy in Venice Today
If your child is struggling with attention, focus, or impulse control, early intervention and the right support can make a meaningful difference. Our Venice therapy team provides the compassionate, expert care your family needs.
Call or text to schedule your appointment today.