As we mentioned in our previous publication, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological condition that affects millions of children worldwide. It is characterized by difficulties in attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. In this case, we are going to focus on recommendations so that families with children who have ADHD can support them.
How to help children with ADHD?
At the educational level:
- Establish clear routines and schedules. It will help children know what to expect and stay organized.
- Divide tasks into small, manageable steps. It will help them concentrate and avoid frustration.
- Use visual tools: calendars, task lists, and graphic organizers.
- Provide a quiet and distraction-free study environment.
- Encourage the development of organization and study skills.
- Work in collaboration with the school to develop an individualized education program (IEP) that meets the child’s needs.
At the emotional level:
- Offer a warm and supportive family environment.
- Help the child understand their condition and strengths.
- Develop strategies to manage frustration and impulsivity.
- Promote self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Provide emotional and psychological support.
- Self-control practices
- Relaxation exercises
At the social level:
- Help the child develop social skills.
- Encourage interaction with other children.
- Participate in extracurricular activities.
- Educate others about ADHD.
Options for ADHD treatment
Experts point to three lines of treatment depending on various factors.
A) Psychological therapy
- Behavioral therapy
Behavioral therapy focuses on teaching the child to control their behavior and develop skills for daily life. It is most effective in young children when parents learn and apply it.
How does it work?
Behavioral therapy is based on reinforcement learning, which consists of rewarding positive behaviors and discouraging negative ones. Behavior modification uses techniques such as positive reinforcement, token economy, extinction, time out, and overcorrection, among others.
What can be achieved?
Behavioral therapy can help the child improve their attention, concentration, organization, time management, and social skills.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a form of psychological intervention whose objective is to offer support to the person to modify their behavior patterns and their cognitive patterns. That is, their way of behaving from a point of view observable by all (moving, talking with others, and interacting with what they have around them in general), and their way of thinking, feeling, and maintaining beliefs.
How does it work?
From the cognitive-behavioral model, people with ADHD are helped to correctly identify the emotions they feel at each moment (Emotions Training). They know and adopt strategies for sequencing actions and structuring behavior patterns. They learn relaxation and stress management techniques, self-regulation and control, as well as communication skills. Cognitive techniques are used such as cognitive restructuring, reattribution, alternative interpretations, search for alternative solutions, decentering, contrasting catastrophic predictions, problem-solving training…
What can be achieved?
Improve the academic performance of the different areas. Work on habits that promote appropriate behaviors for learning (such as managing the schedule and controlling the school agenda) and study techniques (pre-reading, careful reading, analysis and underlining, synthesis and outlines or summaries). Improve self-esteem, identifying positive skills and increasing motivation for achievement. Teach and reinforce appropriate behaviors. Reduce or eliminate inappropriate behaviors such as challenging behaviors or poor organizational habits.
B) Pharmacological treatment
It can be useful to control the symptoms of ADHD. It must always be used under medical supervision.
What types of medication exist?
The two main types of medication for ADHD are stimulants and non-stimulants.
What can be achieved?
It can help reduce hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
C) Psychosocial intervention
Psychosocial intervention focuses on improving the child’s interaction with their family, friends, and classmates. The first bio-psycho-social approach is Psychoeducational, offering knowledge of what ADHD is, what brain areas are affected, and what implications it has both individually and socially.
How does it work?
Psychosocial intervention may include family therapy, group therapy, and parent training. It is important that the child has training in social skills.
What can be achieved?
Psychosocial intervention can help improve the child’s communication, social relationships, and self-esteem.
Regarding which is the most appropriate line of treatment, in general terms, behavioral therapy is recommended as the first line of treatment for preschool children. It is effective in improving attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. It requires the active participation of parents and/or educators.
As for pharmacological treatment, it is recommended when behavioral therapy is not sufficient or not possible. It can be effective in improving attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Among the possible side effects, insomnia, loss of appetite, and headache are noted.
For its part, psychosocial intervention is recommended to improve the child’s interaction with their family, friends, and classmates. It can be effective in improving the child’s communication, social relationships, and self-esteem. This option can be combined with the previous two.
The choice of the most appropriate line of treatment for each child will depend on several factors, such as:
- The age of the child.
- The severity of the symptoms.
- The presence of other disorders.
- The preferences of the family.
It is important to consult with a medical or educational professional to obtain an accurate diagnosis and determine the best line of treatment for each case.
We share some additional resources that may be useful for families to obtain the appropriate help.
- Spanish Association of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AEPNyA): This scientific association is dedicated to promoting the mental health of children and adolescents. It offers information, training, and resources for families and professionals.
- Spanish Federation of Associations of Parents of Children with ADHD (FEADDH): This federation brings together associations of parents of children with ADHD from all over Spain. It offers support, information, and advice to families.
- Research and Resources Center for ADHD: This research center is dedicated to the study of ADHD and the dissemination of information about the disorder. It offers resources for families and professionals.
ADHD is a challenge for children, their families, and their educators. However, with the right support, children with ADHD can reach their full potential. We invite you to listen to our Doctor of Psychology, Nuria Ros, on La Tarde con Marina to expand the information on ADHD. At Dide.org we are experts in detecting educational, emotional, and behavioral potentials and difficulties early in order to intervene. You can access the diagnostic tool in this link.
