Behavior therapy for ADHD Children

Tags: behavior problems for adhd children, behavioral techniques for adhd, adhd behavior charts

Behavior therapy for ADHD is an important subject for doctors, psychiatrists, health care providers, ADHD patients and their family members.

Behavior problems for ADHD children can drive parents crazy at times. There are certain behavior plans for ADHD child and ADHD behavior charts that can be very helpful. I have provided some ideas that will help.

However, before working to improve behavior there are some other things that should be addressed. An improved diet will, by itself improve behavior.

Also, providing a structured sleep schedule has been shown to be critical. When children receive the sleep and nutrition that they need, their mood and ability to concentrate are greatly enhanced.

Behavioral ADHD Therapy Techniques

Dr. Domeena Renshaw has written a very successful book for ADHD children and their issues. Here are 18 behavioral techniques for ADHD from a book by Dr. Domeena Renshaw entitled The Hyperactive Child.

1. Be consistent with rules and discipline.

2. Keep your own voice quiet and slow. Anger is normal but is ineffective, especially for ADHD children. Anger can be controlled and does not mean you do not love your child.

3. Try to keep your emotions cool by planning for turmoil. Recognize and respond to any positive behavior, however small. If you search for good things, you will find them.

4. Avoid a ceaselessly negative approach: “Stop.” “Don’t.” “No.”

5. Separate behavior, which you may not like, from the child’s person (e.g., “I like you. I don’t like your tracking mud through the house.”).

6. Establish a clear routine. Construct a timetable for waking, eating, play, television, study, chores and bedtime. Follow it flexibly when he disrupts it. Slowly your structure will reassure him until he develops his own.

7. Demonstrate new or difficult tasks, using action accompanied by short, clear, quiet explanations. Repeat the demonstration until learned, using audiovisual-sensory perceptions to reinforce the learning. The memory traces of a hyperactive child take longer to form. Be patient and repeat.

8. Designate a separate room or a part of a room that is his special area. Avoid brilliant colors or complex patterns in decor. Simplicity, solid colors, minimal clutter and a worktable facing a blank wall away from distractions help concentration. A hyperactive child cannot filter overstimulation.

9. Do one thing at a time: Give him one toy from a closed box; clear the table of everything else when coloring; turn off the radio/television when he is doing homework. Multiple stimuli prevent his concentration from focusing on his primary task.

10. Give him responsibility, which is essential for growth. The task should be within his capacity, although the assignment may need much supervision. Acceptance and recognition of his efforts (even when imperfect) should not be forgotten.

11. Read his pre-explosive warning signals. Quietly intervene to avoid explosions by distracting him or discussing the conflict calmly. Removal from the battle zone to the sanctuary of his room for a few minutes can help.

12. Restrict playmates to one or two at a time because he is so excitable. Your home is more suitable so you can provide structure and supervision. Explain your rules to the playmate and briefly tell the other parent your reasons.

13. Do not pity, tease, be frightened by or overindulge your child. He has a special condition of the nervous system that is manageable.

14. Know the name and dose of his medication. Give it regularly. Watch and remember the effects to report back to your physician.

15. Openly discuss with your physician any fears you have about the use of medications.

16. Lock up all medications to avoid accidental misuse.

17. Always supervise the taking of medication, even if it is routine over a long period of years. Responsibility remains with the parents! One day’s supply at a time can be put in a regular place and checked routinely as he becomes older and more self-reliant.

18. Share your successful tips with his teacher. The outlined ways to help your hyperactive child are as important to him as diet and insulin are to a diabetic child.

Many parents have found that herbal and homeopathic treatments for ADHD are very effective, especially when combined with behavioral therapy. Focus Formula is a product we have used in our home to help reduce hyperactive behavior and improve concentration.