Does your child find it difficult to stay attentive and focus on one thing at a time? Are they impulsive and unable to sit still or remain quiet at appropriate times? Do they struggle to complete tasks or learn new and difficult things? All children display these behaviors once in a while, but for a child with ADHD it is chronic behavior. Whether your child has been diagnosed with ADHD or not, learning about ADHD in children and how behavioral therapy can help is useful information.
What Is ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosed in children which lasts into adulthood. It usually is seen by age 7. The cause is unknown, but most likely it is genetic.
4-12% of children have ADHD with boys being 2-3 times more likely to have this disorder.
ADHD has special implications for school age children. Important skills for academic success are particularly impaired for children with ADHD, and may affect executive functions, such as problem solving, focus, planning, prioritizing, and organization. Children and teens with ADHD may also be disruptive in the classroom, which can strain peer relationships. Family relations may also be strained as a result of a child’s inattention, hyperactivity, trouble following through with instructions, or rejecting authority. As a result of challenges in school and social relationships, children and teens with ADHD are particularly susceptible to low self-esteem, as well as depression and anxiety.
Medications can be effective in treating the core symptoms of ADHD, to reduce inattention and hyperactivity, but there are aspects of ADHD that medication cannot treat. Children also need to learn coping skills to better manage academic and social struggles. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps children learn these skills and increase their opportunities for success.
Symptoms of ADHD
The main symptoms are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.
- Inattention includes short attention span, difficulty listening, and being easily distracted.
- Hyperactivity includes constantly in motion, can’t sit still, fidgeting, talks incessantly, and inability to stay on task.
- Impulsiveness includes interrupting others, can’t wait their turn, and taking risks.
Diagnosis of ADHD can be made by a mental health professional, like Teresa Thompson, LCSW. Diagnosis can also be made by professionals like a psychologist or psychiatrist, or your pediatrician (primary health provider).
Goals of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps children learn skills and strategies they need to help better manage symptoms of ADHD. The goal of this approach is to strengthen positive behaviors and reduce unwanted behaviors. This therapy teaches children the techniques they need to monitor their own behavior and change it appropriately.
Children need support, structure, and guidance from parents and family to make lasting behavioral changes. CBT counseling specialist Teresa Thompson, LCSW encourages parent involvement in therapy. Parents who have tools and techniques are often more prepared to support a child with ADHD to succeed at school, at home, and in their relationships. Some of the goals of the therapy include the following:
- Help children learn to think in a more helpful and healthy way.
- Help children learn coping skills to better manage academic and social struggles
- Mitigate symptoms of depression or anxiety
- Help parents encourage positive behavior and discourage unwanted problem behaviors.
- Get a better understanding of your child’s behaviors.
- Help your child be successful at home and at school.
- To monitor improvement closely and adjust the therapy as needed along the way, like a daily report card.
- Parents learn ways to strengthen their relationship with their child.
- Parents develop confidence in dealing with their children’s problems and don’t feel so helpless and overwhelmed.
Contact Texas Counseling, PLLC at 830-730-6026 or request a consultation online to discuss behavioral therapy if you suspect your child has symptoms of ADHD.