Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be effectively treated with behaviour therapy, which also helps children with behaviour, self-control, and self-esteem issues. When parents give it to young children, it works the best.
- Parents who receive training in behaviour therapy are able to support their child with ADHD in all spheres of life at home, at school, and in relationships.
- Although it takes time and effort to learn and practice behavior therapy, the kid and the family can profit for a long time.
- The biggest effect on a young child's behaviour comes from their parents. For young children with ADHD, only parent-training focused therapy is advised because they lack the maturity to alter their own behaviour without the assistance of their parents.
- When treating young children with ADHD, some therapists might employ talk therapy or play therapy.
- Through play, children can express their thoughts and experiences through play therapy.
- Talk therapy treats mental and emotional illnesses by having verbal conversations between the child and the therapist.
What parents can learn when they are trained in behavior therapy for ADHD kids?
- Positive Communication
- Positive Reinforcement
- Structure and Discipline
- Parent-child connection is the main focus, and parents receive specialised training in behaviour management techniques.
- Parents might be trained, for instance, on how to minimise distractions, provide clear instructions, and make smooth transitions.
- They might also be taught how to deal with difficult behaviour by teaching them how to apply consequences (such timeouts, selective ignoring, and conditional withdrawal of privileges).
- Analogous tactics could be employed to help target behaviours become more desired.
- Encouraging positive conduct when it happens makes it happen more frequently, which reduces the amount of time that can be spent on negative behaviour.
- Additionally, by creating a difference between reinforcement and its absence, rewarding positive behaviour also increases the effectiveness of other methods, including time-outs.
Behaviour therapy is based on :
- Make attainable, clear goals. Give your child specific, attainable goals to work towards, such completing homework within a given time frame or sharing toys with friends.
- Give incentives and penalties. Every time your child exhibits the desired behaviour, give them a specific incentive (positive reinforcement). When your child exhibits incorrect behaviour, regularly give them a consequence (unwanted outcome or punishment).
- When you first start applying a penalty, the behavior could occasionally get worse before getting better and going away.
- Continue applying the consequences and incentives. A long-term, consistent use of rewards and penalties will positively mold your child's behavior.
Taking care of yourself will benefit your kid as well. It might be difficult to parent a child with ADHD. Even the best parents may find their limits tested by it. Parent education and support groups composed of other families with ADHD-affected children can be quite beneficial. Acquire skills in stress management to enable you to react to your child in a composed manner. If you feel helpless or overwhelmed, get counselling.
Dr.Yogita Pawar PT
MPT Paediatric Neurosciences
Dr.Yogita Pawar PT is Co-Founder & Scientific Director of Cura Advanced Physiotherapy. She is Trained in Neurodevelopment Therapy & Sensory Integration. She is a certified Child & Adolescent Counselor. Dr.Yogita is also an excellent Parenting Coach. She talks about positive parenting on her social media handles.