Families dealing with attention disorders face challenges on a daily basis. Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder makes functioning in a classroom setting difficult for children, which leads to feelings of frustration for the child and his support system. If parents and kids work with experienced counselors who are supportive and knowledgeable and they can find a way to cope, it can ease the burden.
Searching for Diagnosis
Before you can get effective treatment for ADHD and access all of the options available to families, you need to find a qualified professional who can make an official diagnosis.
One such option is Richard A. Komm, a licensed educational psychologist who has worked in the school system and has more than 35 years of experience working with parents and children, according to his website. His first step is to meet with the parents of a child struggling with attention problems. He administers standardized tests for intelligence, perceptual-motor awareness, variable attention and personality appraisal. These tests also may reveal ADHD and other learning disorders that sometimes accompany a problem with attention and hyperactivity, according to the website. Once the diagnosis is made, Komm offers counseling and support for parents and children.
More than Academics
Clinical psychologist Martin Keller also is among the options in Phoenix for ADHD diagnosis and counseling. Not only do kids suffering from ADHD face challenges in school, they may have a difficult time with interpersonal relationships. Keller specializes in child and adolescent psychology with a focus on relationship issues and ADHD, according to Keller's profile on "The Therapy Directory" page on Psychology Today's website. Keller, who earned his doctorate from Rutgers University, offers one-on-one counseling for children and teens, as well as family therapy, according to his website.
Cognitive Training Approach
A different approach to conquering the challenges of ADHD is to use cognitive skills training. Cognition relates to mental processes, as opposed to emotional ones. In many cases, those with ADHD are moved into an environment without distraction so they can accomplish their goals without other stimuli. Cognitive skills training can give people the tools they need to be able to focus and learn when faced with distractions. Programs that use cognitive skills training are based on the theory that stimulating the region of the brain responsible for inattention strengthens a person's ability to give attention.
One program, LearningRX offers four cognitive skills training programs, all designed to give students the ability to learn. ThinkRX is one-on-one training that is individualized for each participant. MathRX focuses on teaching the skills necessary to deal with numbers. ReadRX is for students who need help with reading comprehension. LiftOff is designed for younger children facing the challenges of ADHD. The program can give them a foundation that will help them succeed as they move from grade to grade.
Faith-Based Approach
One of the most important aspects of dealing with ADHD is realizing you are not alone. The support of your family and counselors helps, but knowing other kids are coping with the same challenges makes dealing with ADHD easier. At Doorways, kids work with a team of professionals and are treated in a holistic way that addresses their emotional, mental, relational and spiritual health. The treatment is faith-based and seeks to encourage kids by having them see their peers achieve success. Doorways also offers support for other disorders. Treatment is available for people ages 13 to 25.
Severe Cases
When the challenges of ADHD are paired with the usual struggles of adolescence, that combination may lead to emotional and behavioral issues. A normally stressful time can be worsened, and kids may have difficulty thriving in relationships in addition to laboring with learning.
The Academy of Eastern Arizona is a girls-only program that teaches self-respect, responsibility, self-motivation and respect for authority. The program is aimed at girls struggling through their day-to-day lives and offers education, therapy, recreation, community service and the order and discipline special-needs kids may need. Its boarding school style is not right for everyone, but for severe cases of ADHD causing problems in other areas of life, it is an option to consider.
