While most studies point to medicine as the most effective treatment for ADD or ADHD, there are other options. The National Institute of Mental Health says treatments should focus on improving behavior and reducing symptoms. NIMH lists treatment plans that include medicine, psychotherapy, education or training, or a combination of treatments. Consult with a medical expert, such as a child psychologist, pediatrician or behaviorist to discuss your child's needs.
Behavioral Management
A behavioral therapist can teach your child to reduce ADD/ADHD symptoms with positive reinforcements. Behavior therapy will give your child reinforcers when she stays in control and pays attention. Often, a child can be trained to learn proper communication, coping and self-sufficient skills to improve the symptoms of ADHD. Behavior therapy can also help a child in school work by giving positive rewards for the extra effort. Ask your pediatrician, psychologist or developmental pediatrician for a trained behaviorist in your area. Behavioral therapists can work both at your home and at an outside treatment center.
Parent Skills Training
Dealing with a child with ADHD or ADD can be stressful. Behavior therapists or child psychologists can coach you to handle disruptive behavior and encourage positive behavior changes. Experts in ADD offer parent skills training to help you cope with the challenges and channel positive emotions into raising your child. Parenting classes for ADD/ADHD kids can help you use consequences and positive reinforcements that your child can count on. These classes are for parents only to improve techniques in raising a challenging child. Look for classes from local ADD support groups, behaviorist offices or child psychology offices.
Counseling
If you feel your child has had a traumatic experience or challenge that may be impacting his self worth and attention, counseling can help. Consult with a child psychologist to discuss deeper issues that may cause your child to act up. You may also want to seek your own psychologist or therapist for getting out your stresses in the situation.
Dietary Interventions
Many parents of children with ADHD take their children off sugar or food dyes to reduce inattention issues and hyperactivity. While there are no studies to prove these cause ADD, improving your child's diet is always helpful. But, it should not be the only treatment plan you take. Consult with a nutritionist if you feel your child could benefit from vitamin or dietary intervention.
Staying Organized
Children with ADD need schedules, predictability and clear boundaries to succeed in school work and other activities. Give your child a schedule and have her help you organize her day. Keep her clothes, backpack and school supplies in a place where she can always find them. Be clear on your rules and expectations for your child to succeed. For older children, give them their own organizers or calendars to stay on track.
