When animals are involved in therapy, children may experience increased emotion and attention that allows them to participate more fully in the therapy process. Having the opportunity to interact with a fun dog can increase a child’s compliance to therapy, improve the child’s relationship to the therapist, and help to maintain motivation. Compliance, a therapeutic […]
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is commonly comorbid, or simultaneously occurring with ADHD. ODD is a problem that first becomes noticeable in the preschool years or during early adolescence. The following information discusses the symptoms and criteria needed for a diagnosis of ODD. Please remember that not all people with ADHD have ODD and vice versa; […]
Delay your responses. Sometimes in the moment of stressful events, we can respond to problems impulsively. It is okay to take a few moments to calm down and think of a way to address your child’s behavior. There is nothing wrong with saying, “I’ll discuss this with you in a few minutes.” Try meditating! Learning […]
Ultimately, the success of coaching depends on the relationship between the coach and the client. A parent’s role is to observe, support, and celebrate the process and progress of coaching. Keep in mind that it is important for a parent to give the child space. Giving a child space can demonstrate to the child that […]
Adolescents with ADHD often have decision making. ADHD coaching opens the door to independence by teaching young people to set goals, analyze risks and benefits, explore options, and make decisions. Coaching encourages young people to make decisions by using the acronym: GROW. Goal setting for the short and long-term Reality checking to analyze current situation. […]
Setting up a point system for your child may be an effective way to both increase good behavior and properly and consistently reward this good behavior. An example of a point system is provided below. It is important to modify this example to fit your own life. You may also wish to target behaviors that […]
It may be difficult to know when to make that first call for help with your child’s behavior. You may wonder if his/her behavior is just a phase, whether it is normal for a child of his/her age, or if his/her inattention is severe enough to warrant a diagnosis. If any of the following 6 […]
Typically, medication is most effective at reducing symptoms of ADHD, while behavioral interventions are effective at resolving social and academic issues. The process of diagnosing ADHD can be a confusing and stressful time, not to mention the confusion regarding how medications work. Keep in mind that a detailed description of this process can fill a […]
What was once diagnosed as “ADHD predominantly inattentive type” may actually be better identified as a diagnosis of sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT). Although SCT is not an official diagnosis within the DSM-V, research suggests that it does exist and manifest in ways that are different from inattentive ADHD. Children with SCT are commonly described as […]
One area of impairment that adults with ADHD face is the workplace. Specifically, to attain a high occupational status is difficult for these workers as their ADHD may prevent them from being the “ideal employee.” Little research exists on the specific effects of ADHD on the workplace. One study examined 18 non-medicated adults with ADHD […]
