The role of the pediatrician in early detection of ADHD and ASD

When a child grows, not only his body changes, but also the way he looks, plays and communicates. Sometimes, these differences raise doubts in parents: is the child developing at the right pace, is it normal for him to find it hard to concentrate or not to look into the eyes? At these moments, the pediatrician becomes an essential guide.

At Ginelux, your pediatric clinic in Telde, we accompany families in Las Palmas, Vecindario, Agaete, Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas in a crucial aspect of children's growth: the early detection of ADHD and ASD.

Understanding the role of the pediatrician beyond vaccines.

Many parents associate the pediatrician with routine check-ups, weight control or vaccinations. But their role goes far beyond that. The pediatrician is the first observer of child development and the one who, through experience and listening, can detect signs that something is not evolving as expected.

During pediatric checkups, the specialist observes not only physical health, but also the child's behavior, communication and interaction with his or her environment. A simple gesture, a response or the way the child plays can reveal a lot about the child's neurological and social development.

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) are two of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. Early detection allows early intervention and improves the quality of life of both the child and his or her family. Therefore, the pediatrician not only takes care of health, but also accompanies the emotional and cognitive growth.

What is ADHD and how can it be detected in childhood?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by three main features: difficulty maintaining attention, impulsivity and excessive motor activity. Not all children with ADHD present the same symptoms or with the same intensity.

Often, parents notice that their child “won't sit still,” is easily distracted or has difficulty following instructions. In other cases, the child seems absent, does not complete tasks or is easily frustrated.

During visits to the pediatrician, these behaviors may be observed in different contexts: while the child is waiting, responding or playing. When the practitioner perceives a persistent pattern, he or she may recommend a more specific evaluation with child psychology or neuropediatrics.

Some signs that may alert the pediatrician to possible ADHD are:

• Constant difficulty concentrating or maintaining attention.
• Excessive motor activity or continuous movements without clear purpose.
• Impulsivity or tendency to interrupt constantly.
• Low frustration tolerance or sudden mood swings.
• Problems organizing tasks or following routines.

The pediatrician in Telde or pediatrician in Las Palmas can guide parents on how to act, when to refer to a specialist and what habits can help at home to improve concentration and behavior.

What ASD is and why early detection is so important

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) mainly affects communication, social skills and behavior. Its spectrum is broad: some children show obvious symptoms from a very young age, while in others the signs are more subtle.

Early diagnosis of autism is key. The sooner it is identified, the sooner a personalized intervention can be initiated to stimulate the child's language, socialization and autonomy.

The pediatricians at Ginelux, in Telde, make systematic observations during check-ups. They analyze aspects such as eye contact, response to name, way of communicating and interaction with the environment. When they detect signs that could be related to ASD, they refer to a multidisciplinary team for a more detailed assessment.

Among the most common warning signs are:

• Little or no response when called by name.
• Lack of eye contact or interest in other people.
• Absence of communicative gestures (such as pointing or waving).
• Limited or repetitive language.
• Restricted interests or repetitive behaviors.

Every child is different, so regular pediatric follow-up is essential. A small change, observed in time, can make a difference in their future evolution.

Pediatric screening as a prevention tool

Regular pediatric checkups are not just about physical growth. They are valuable opportunities to analyze how the child's overall development is progressing: language, attention, social interaction and motor skills.

At Ginelux, we recommend that parents keep their child's check-up schedule up to date, especially during the first five years, when most developmental milestones occur. At each visit, the pediatrician can ask specific questions, observe the child's behavior and reassure parents when symptoms are simply due to slower maturation, without pathology.

If you are interested in this topic, you can read our article about the importance of the pediatric checkups.

The importance of communication between the pediatrician and the family

The relationship between parents and pediatrician is a partnership. Parents observe daily, know their children's habits and reactions; the pediatrician provides the professional view that interprets these behaviors within the context of child development.

When both collaborate, a more accurate detection and a faster response is achieved. Ginelux pediatricians in Telde encourage this open communication: they explain, guide and accompany, without alarming or minimizing.

Therefore, if a parent feels that his or her child is behaving differently or has doubts about his or her learning or attention, the first door to knock on is the pediatrician's door.

In this other article you can learn more about our approach and how we work as a team: Pediatrics in Telde: the importance of having a trustworthy pediatrician.

What to do if you suspect your child may have ADHD or ASD

Suspecting that something is wrong generates anxiety. The most important thing is to act without haste, but without delay. The first step should always be to make an appointment with your pediatrician in Telde or Las Palmas.

In the consultation with the pediatrician, the specialist will gather information about the child's evolution, his behavior at home and at school, and will assess whether it is necessary to refer to other professionals. It is not just a matter of labeling, but of understanding the child and giving him or her the right tools to develop fully.

From there, a multidisciplinary evaluation can begin, including psychology, speech therapy or occupational therapy, depending on the case. Every little advance counts, and the constant accompaniment of the pediatrician makes the whole process clearer and more bearable. If you want to know more about our services, you can visit our section of Pediatrics.

Accompaniment and child development: the pediatrician's holistic vision

Child development is not a race, it is a journey. Each child advances at his or her own pace, with unique strengths and challenges. The role of the pediatrician is not to judge, but to accompany. At Ginelux, we believe that early detection is not only about identifying disorders, but also about understanding each stage and guiding families with empathy and knowledge.

Our commitment is to help parents understand the signs, act with serenity and offer continuous support from the first months of life. If you live in Telde, Las Palmas, Vecindario, Agaete, Playa del Inglés or Maspalomas, you can count on us to take care of the physical, emotional and social growth of your children.

Request your appointment with a pediatrician in Telde at Ginelux in this contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions on ADHD and ASD Screening

At what age can ADHD or ASD be detected?

In some cases, the first signs of ASD may be seen before the age of two. ADHD is usually detected from the age of five or six, when the demand for attention at school increases.

Who can diagnose these disorders?

The pediatrician is the first professional who can detect signs and refer to the appropriate specialist (neuropediatrician, psychologist or child psychiatrist).

Do pediatric screenings identify developmental problems?

Yes, aspects of language, behavior and social interaction are evaluated at each checkup, which allows for the detection of early alterations.

Is it possible to confuse ADHD or ASD with normal behavior? 

Sometimes yes, especially at early ages. For this reason, continuous observation by the pediatrician is essential before making a diagnosis.

What can I do as a parent if I have doubts?

Do not stay with the restlessness. Make an appointment with your pediatrician in Telde or Las Palmas or in your city of residence and share your observations. An early dialogue can make all the difference.