ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, troubles many children, schools, parents, and families. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD is the most common mental disorder in children and adolescents in the United States. According to Michael Bloomquist, Director of the Attention and Behavior Problems Clinic at the University of Minnesota, a child with ADHD often struggles to accumulate the abilities and skills in self-control, social, emotional, and academic areas. Effective behavior modification techniques help such a child succeed.
Significance
Problems in self-control or attention characterize ADHD. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 3 to 5 percent of children qualify for this diagnosis. More boys than girls have it, and unlike once thought, these symptoms often trickle into adolescence and adulthood. Without adequate intervention, children with problems in self-control are more likely to be rejected by peers, and often develop academic and emotional problems. According to Bloomquist, a behavior modification plan and techniques build mastery and competence, and promote psychological development and success.
Function
Children with ADHD may show emotions without constraint, have difficulty focusing on or completing a task, become impatient, blurt out inappropriate comments, and have trouble waiting their turns. Having the ability to regulate emotions and behaviors early in life, acquiring good social and academic skills, having supportive parenting and predictable routines and rituals, and being accepted by, and associated with, positive-influence children, remain protective factors for children to sustain socially-acceptable behaviors and adjust easily in life. Bloomquist notes that behavior modification techniques help accomplish these goals by enhancing self-control, social, emotional, and academic development, and improving parent well being and relationships with their children.
Types
Behavior modification techniques for ADHD can reinforce positive behavior, or punish negative behavior. According to Bloomquist, behavior modification techniques teach a child with ADHD to obey, follow rules, manage anger, develop social and problem-solving skills, promote positive peer affiliations, assist in understanding and expressing feelings, think helpful thoughts, encourage appreciation of reading, and increase self-directed academic behaviors. Behavior techniques in the form of a plan promote a child's self esteem. Parents should rank and prioritize areas that need the most attention, and develop a plan focused on these targeted behaviors.
Solutions
Specific strategies exist for various ADHD behaviors. Bloomquist suggests giving effective commands, using effective warnings, and taking away a privilege when targeting disobedient behaviors. To reduce angry outbursts, help the child define anger, teach recognition of anger body cues, teach and encourage relaxation skills and helpful self-talk. Teach positive social behaviors, and coach and reward desirable social behaviors in social situations. Instruct the child in social problem solving and use "guided questioning" to help explore possibilities and options for problem-solving social situations. For emotional well being, help the child identify and change unhelpful thoughts and demonstrate helpful thinking. Bloomquist encourages collaboration with the child, assessment of his readiness for the task, staying calm, and being consistent. Practicing with daily charts containing up to four target behaviors, using non-material reinforcers for desired behavior, and mild punishment for zero compliance, can enhance performance and effectively shape targeted behaviors.
Considerations
Behavior modification techniques for ADHD require effort and consistency. Bloomquist identifies parent and family well-being as being crucial to the success of a child's acquisition of self-control. Previous or concurrent family treatment may enhance the outcome. Adding medications to treat ADHD may prove helpful. A Consumer Reports survey demonstrated that 67 percent of those trying medications for ADHD reported they helped "a lot." Dr. Orly Avitzur, a neurologist and medical advisor to Consumer Reports magazine, indicates that kids improve most with a combination of medication and behavioral modification techniques.
References
- "Skills Training for Children with Behavior Problems"; Michael Bloomquist, PhD.; 2006
- National Institute for Mental Health: ADHD
- MSNBC: ADHD Meds Help
