Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often persists into adulthood, according to the Mayo Clinic. Children with ADHD experience inattention and hyperactive, impulsive behavior. In addition, these children may struggle with low self-esteem, troubled relationships and poor performance in school. When managing children with ADHD, it is important to establish routines, introduce boundaries, apply positive and negative reinforcement, communicate in a positive way, utilize preventative classroom modification techniques and explore special education programs and medical interventions.
Routines
Routines are especially important when managing children with ADHD, according to Sharon Weiss, M.ED., behavioral consultant and founder of the website ADDvance.com. Children with ADHD need rules in order to make sense of the world around them. They also need routines to keep them focused on the task at hand. Following the same routine daily helps children with ADHD meet expectations and goals. Once established it is important to adhere to the routine on a consistent basis.
Boundaries
Sharon Weiss notes that children with ADHD function best when they know what the rules are and what to expect if they break the rules. Rules should be short and to the point. It is a good idea to talk with your child about what he feels are good rules to establish and what the consequences should be if he breaks them. If your child participates in the discussion then he will know the rules, the consequences if he breaks them and will understand what is expected of him.
Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is an effective way to manage the behavior of children with ADHD, according to the website Family Education. Many times a parent will scold a child when she misbehaves, but will say nothing when the child displays good behavior. The key to positive reinforcement is to praise and reward the child while she is demonstrating good behavior such as sitting quietly or focusing on a task. The purpose of positive reinforcement is for the child to connect her good behavior to the reward. Rewards can take the form of praise, privileges and/or presents. It is important to be consistent when using positive reinforcement so that the child can successfully learn the desired behavior.
Negative Reinforcement
Negative reinforcement is another method that can be used to manage children with ADHD, according to LDOnline.com, a leading web site on learning disabilities and ADHD. The purpose of negative reinforcement is to remove an undesirable consequence from a child in the hopes that the child will repeat the desired behavior again. For example a parent or teacher can practice negative reinforcement by ignoring the child when he is misbehaving and paying attention to the child when he demonstrates good behavior. Eventually the child will learn that in order to receive attention he must demonstrate good behavior.
Positive Communication
According to FamilyEducation.com, one way to effectively manage a child with ADHD is to positively respond to her. Positive communication builds a child's self-esteem and encourages good behavior. The self-esteem of ADHD children is connected to their interactions with their environment and the people they love. The way a parent speaks to a child directly affects how that child sees herself. If a child with ADHD feels loved and accepted then she will make an effort to please the parent by focusing, following routines and obeying rules.
Preventative Classroom Modification
Children with ADHD can be disruptive in the classroom and according to LDOnline.com, it is important that the teacher be prepared to encourage and support these students through preventative classroom modification. A teacher can manage an ADHD child by setting clear and consistent rules, redirecting the child towards a goal or task, finding activities that keep the child busy such as passing out homework and tests or collecting something. Ignoring the child when he is misbehaving and praising the child when he demonstrates good behavior also works in the classroom.
Special Education
In some situations children with ADHD may face challenges when attending traditional schools due to their hyperactivity, lack of organization skills and inability to focus on one task for long periods of time, according to Erin King, Ed.S., nationally certified school psychologist and contributor to The ADHD Information Library. Some ADHD children may forget to turn in assignments, misplace homework and have difficulty completing tests in the allotted time. In addition, children with ADHD may become restless in class if they have to sit too long without moving. Special education programs can be beneficial for children with ADHD because they provide smaller classes and one-on-one interaction. It is important to note that not all children require special education so inclusion in a special education program should be based on the needs of the individual child.
Medication
Medication can be an effective way to manage a child with ADHD, according to helpguide.com, a trusted non-profit mental health resource. Medication cannot cure ADHD but it may help to alleviate some of the symptoms associated with the disorder. ADHD medication may help your child concentrate for longer periods of time, make future plans and remember those plans; control her impulses and complete goals and tasks. However, even with medication your child may still struggle with forgetfulness, social awkwardness and disorganization from time to time. Because each child responds differently to ADHD medications they should be tailored to the individual child and closely monitored.
