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ADHD Behavioral Treatment

Your child's doctor is likely to suggest behaviour therapy as a treatment if they have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

According to specialists, it's the first step to effectively controlling your child's ADHD symptoms, regardless of their age.

Play therapy and psychotherapy are not the same as behavioural treatment. It emphasises behaviour over feelings. It can educate your youngster how to transform disruptive, negative energy into constructive ideas and behaviours. And you, the parent, are the first to do it at home.

Additionally, behavioural therapy is not the same as occupational therapy or ADHD coaching. ADHD coaches are not therapists or physicians, but they could be a valuable addition to your child's team to assist with particular objectives. Occupational therapy aids in the development of everyday abilities.

When to Begin

Generally speaking, as soon as your child is diagnosed with ADHD, experts advise behavioural therapy. It is typically the only treatment given if your child receives the diagnosis when they are in preschool (ages 4 or 5).

Research indicates that in young children, behavioural therapy is just as effective as medication. Your preschooler's doctor might recommend medication if their symptoms worsen or if they don't improve.

For children six years of age and up, the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) suggests behavioural therapy in addition to medicine. The term "multimodal approach" is occasionally used to describe the combined treatment.

Some therapists employ play therapy with young children, which allows the kid to express their thoughts and experiences via play.

However, the CDC states that neither play therapy nor talk treatment has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms in young children.

Parent Training

The adults who are parenting the child—typically the parent or parents—are the main carers for behavioural therapy.

They learn the techniques and abilities necessary for this work through parent education.

The CDC only suggests parent education as a kind of treatment for young children with ADHD. A therapist would usually meet with the parent for at least eight sessions to teach them the necessary techniques and to offer support and feedback.

Parents might also benefit from stress management training. When you're upset over your child's ADHD symptoms, it might help you figure out how to remain composed.

Teachers and other adults who spend time with your child can also be helpful. The goal is to surround your child with individuals who will regularly and successfully reward good behaviour and discourage bad behaviour.

How to Begin

You don't have to see a particular counsellor, but some parents choose for an ADHD behavioural therapist. Parents can receive training in ADHD behaviour therapy classes.

Enquire with your child's physician about local class options. They are occasionally referred to by names like:Parental behavioural management training

Parent behaviour training Parent behaviour training Parent education

A therapist teaches you how to respond to ADHD behaviours and how to establish and follow guidelines during class. For roughly three to four months, classes typically meet once a week. According to research, this training will strengthen your bond with your child in addition to helping to stop their bad behaviour.

Treatment Objectives

Sitting still is a common problem for kids with ADHD. They are prone to impulsivity and restlessness. They may find it difficult to focus as a result. Additionally, it may cause disruptions at home and in classrooms.

Your youngster will learn useful skills from behavioural therapy.

Encourage positive behaviour

Reduce disruptive conduct

Teach a child how to calmly communicate their emotions.

Three fundamental steps are taken first:

1. Give your child a specific objective. Be realistic and specific. Verify that your youngster is aware of their responsibilities. For instance, finish a homework assignment by a specific deadline.

2. Apply rewards and penalties consistently. When your child behaves well, always give them a reward. Verify that they are aware of the repercussions of inappropriate behaviour. And do it.

3. Throughout their entire youth, apply the rewards/consequences system consistently. By doing this, positive behaviour is developed.

Techniques used in behavioural therapy include:

encouragement. When your youngster behaves well, give them a reward.

Example: You can play a video game if you complete your assignment correctly and on time.

Economics of tokens. This blends the concepts of reward and consequence. Teachers frequently employ this strategy by handing out items like star stickers, but the same idea should be applied at home as well.

Cost of response. Rewards or privileges are taken away as a result of undesirable behaviour. For instance, you forfeit your computer time if you fail to do your assignment.

Take a break. When preschoolers behave badly, this standard punishment is frequently applied. For instance, you have to sit quietly by yourself for a few minutes if you hit your sister.

At school

Teachers can congratulate your child verbally or give them quiet, relaxing toys to hold while they focus on the lesson. For senior students, the instructor may speak to them privately throughout class using hand signals.

Additional methods used in schools, known as accommodations, consist of:

  • A alternate place to take tests and quizzes
  • Relocating your child's desk
  • Extended periods of time spent taking tests
  • Assignments with modified homework
  • A behavioural plan, special education, or social skills classes
  • allowing "escape valve" outlets, such a teacher doing a quick trip to the library, etc.
  • Ignoring bad behavior selectively
  • Eliminating annoyances like rubber bands and other distracting objects

What to anticipate

Your child's symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention can be reduced with behavioral therapy, either in conjunction with or apart from medication.

It can improve your child's academic performance, but you must be persistent and consistent. Keep in mind that learning new talents takes time.

Don't anticipate changes immediately. Improvements in behavior could start out slowly. But it should improve with time, perseverance, and cooperation.

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