I am starting the process of getting my DS (6) evaluated for ADHD. I have been in communication with the School Psychologist, who has suggested that I have him see a Neurologist rather than a Psychiatrist.

I have a couple questions with regard to this. Is it usual to see a Neurologist? I have a girlfriend with a DS with ADHD, and he was seen (and I'm pretty sure diagnosed by) a Pediatric Psychiatrist. What advantages does one have over the other?

My second question is how can I go about finding a Neurologist (or a Psychiatrist) in my area (south-central NJ) with some specialized knowledge or experience in ADHD? All I have right now is a list of Dr.'s from my Insurance company's website. None of them list ADHD as a specialty or area of focus.

TIA everyone - I'm sure this is the first of many questions I will come here to ask. :)

welcome :) I'm sure someone will point you in the right direction! Good luck

PS..not many of us here seem to see a neurologist for ADHD :)

Hi ck_mommy welcome!
there is a section in Delivered from Distraction (by Hallowell and Ratey) which docs are in general best to diagnose and treat ADD / ADHD. I am flaky on the details, but I think that he recommended child psychiatrists above all else - they seem to have the most knowledge about ADD. I went to a psychiatrist anyway - one who happened to be specially interested in ADD.
For who to see - maybe you can check out CHADD on the internet: (www.chadd.org (http://www.chadd.org)) - or browse a bit on the forum here.
Good luck!

You can try asking the our New Jersey section
http://www.addforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=190

You can also call and ask. Maybe if an office you call doesn't specialize in ADHD, they know someone who does. CHADD is a great resource (thanks Luthien), or you can check the phone book to see if you have any ADD clinics in the area.

Two Professionals missing from the discussion are the:

-Educational Psychologist
-Neuropsychologist

Thanks for all the replies everyone - I called and spoke with his pedi, and she too recommended a neurologist, and had a couple in our area who she specifically recommended for AD/HD. I have made appointments to talk with both of them. Hopefully one of them will be the right fit for DS and we will go from there. Thanks again for your help.

That's what we're here for. :)

I say it depends more on their level of expertise of ADHD. I suggest doing some local networking and getting personal reccomendations. Like Lady Lark suggested CHADD (http://www.chadd.org) is a great place to start.