The Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS) Specialty Service
The CDS specialty service in the Center for ADHD at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center is the first clinical service in the world offering evaluation and therapy services addressing CDS in youth ages 6-17.
What to look for?
Although kids with ADHD have trouble focusing for long periods of time, are easily distracted by their environment, and are forgetful and disorganized, some kids have different types of attention problems. These kids appear to be “lost in their own thoughts,” such that they are often mind-wandering, daydreaming, and spacing or zoning out. Rather than being hyperactive, these children appear sleepy, lethargic, and need more time to complete daily activities. These set of symptoms have been labeled “cognitive disengagement syndrome” (CDS), which was previously referred to as sluggish cognitive tempo. Children with CDS are also more likely to be socially withdrawn, have academic and sleeping difficulties, and experience symptoms of depression. These children may or may not already have a diagnosis of ADHD.
How to refer?
To request an evaluation in the CDS specialty service, please contact the Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology intake office at 513-636-4336. Our psychologists in the CDS specialty service also offer therapy and a range of treatments including behavioral parent training, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills training, and homework and organization skills training.