The symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are often treated with stimulant medication. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that the inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness of ADHD can be treated with behavioral therapy. Dr. P.S. Jensen reported in the February 2001 issue of "Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics" that behavioral therapy combined with medication is the best treatment for ADHD. According to the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders, behavioral modification is a form of behavioral therapy that replaces undesirable behavior with more acceptable behaviors using positive and negative reinforcement.
Rewarding
Rewarding is the most effective ADHD behavior modification activity. Identify, discuss and make a plan to extinguish problem behavior, and reward behavioral improvements immediately. Make behavior goals that are age appropriate and realistic, and use a chart to list the desired behavior. Keep track of progress in achieving the goals, and set up a system of rewards and privileges for goal accomplishment.
Punishing
Punishment should be used sparingly in an ADHD behavior therapy program. Effective punishment includes the use of timeouts, which should feature a safe location. Timeouts should be brief and not exceed one minute per year of age. Timeouts are intended to give the person with ADHD enough time to regain control of their behavior.
Loss of privileges is also an effective ADHD behavior modification strategy. The possibility of losing treasured privileges such as watching a favorite television show is often enough to motivate people with ADHD to behave appropriately.
Communicating
Effective communication is imperative for ADHD behavior modification. Give instruction in a concise and clear manner. Instruct using positive statements such as, "Put your dirty clothes in the hamper," rather than, "Do not leave your dirty clothes in the bathroom". Keep choices to a minimum, and give directions one at a time. Make eye contact when communicating, and give feedback quickly for both positive and negative behavior. Limit assumptions regarding appropriate behavior.
According to "ADDitude" magazine, individuals with ADHD are easily distracted, forgetting and overstimulated. Short and unambiguous instructions will result in better compliance.
Scheduling
People with ADHD can better accomplish tasks in a structured environment. Daily routines enable the formation of habits that lead to greater productivity. According to Dr. Russell Barkley, an ADHD expert, people with ADHD have neurological problems that make time management difficult. An ADHD behavior modification strategy includes keeping a regular schedule for meals, homework and socializing can minimize time management difficulties.
Organizing
According to "ADDitude" magazine, people with ADHD have problems with organizational skills. Improve organizational behavior in ADHD individuals by always encouraging them to put belongings in the same location so that they are easy to find. These individuals should also write down assignments, keep assignments in a designated folder or on a calendar, keep all necessary tools for completing assignments in one place and file or color code assignments in order of subject and priority. Checking the assignment book or calendar weekly will ensure that assignments are completed and will help in maintaining organization for the coming week.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder: Treatment
- "Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics"; Findings from the NIMH Multimodal Treatment Study of ADHD (MTA): Implications and Applications for Primary Care Providers; Jensen PS, Hinshaw SP, Swanson JM, Greenhill LL, Conners CK, Arnold LE, Abikoff HB, Elliott G, Hechtman L, Hoza B, March JS, Newcorn JH, Severe JB, Vitiello B, Wells K, Wigal T.; February 2001
- Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders: Behavior modification
- "ADDitude Magazine": Helping ADHD Students Get Organized for School
- Children's Hospital of Dartmouth: Eight Principles to Guide ADHD Children by Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D.
