ADHD is a complex disorder that affects the child in all parts
of his/her life. Without treatment the child with ADHD is more
likely than his peers to develop behavioral problems that may
lead to more "at risk" behavior.
It is essential for a comprehensive treatment program to include
medical, educational and psychological interventions.
Treatment plans focus on the individual with ADHD but may include
support plans for other family members as well.
Treatment is most effective when those involved work together
as a team.
Medical intervention:
- Medication has shown to be the most effective treatment for
individuals with ADHD
- Medication can reduce and sometimes eliminate the symptoms
of ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults
- Medication does not cure or eliminate ADHD
- Medication helps the individual immediately and therefore
lessens the likelihood of complications related to anxiety and
depression
- Other treatments for ADHD frequently are more effective when
combined with medication
- Pharmological treatment requires ongoing involvement with
the prescribing physician
- Physicians will monitor treatment effects and adjust dosages
Educational Interventions:
- Because the characteristics of ADHD affect school performance,
treatment at school is essential
- Educational plans need to fit the needs of the individual
child
- Most often these plans have several components
- Academic
- Writing
- 1-1 instruction for skill areas
- chunking
- modification of quantity
- using technology
- Behavioral
- Reinforcement
- Structure
- Environmental
- Social
- Social skills instruction
Psychological
- Individuals with ADHD benefit from the support of a skilled
counselor to help them understand their disorder.
- Effective strategies for coping
Treatment for other Family members
- families members are affected by the symptoms of the individual
with ADHD and may need counseling
- parents benefit from parenting training - related to the
disorder
