Five Strategies to Counsel Adolescents With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Approximately 4% to 12% of school age children today have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, more commonly known as ADHD, according to FamilyDoctor.org. ADHD is caused by a lack of certain chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which are responsible for the organization of thoughts. The most common behavior of a child with ADHD is an inability to concentrate, which leads to problems in learning, building relationships and behavior. It takes the concerted efforts of a child's parents, teachers, and doctors to help them cope with this disorder and go on to lead a normal life.

Strategy #1 - Medication

• Although medications cannot cure ADHD, they can control symptoms for a certain time frame, sometimes for up to 24 hours. Although a number of medications are being researched for this disorder, there are currently two well-established and effective types of medication: stimulant or non-stimulant. Work with your child's doctor to establish which type and dosage of medication works best for your child. Because some medications can have side effects, it's important to have your child's doctor conduct a complete health evaluation before starting any medication as well as monitor them on a continuous basis to watch for side effects.

Strategy #2 - Therapy

• A psychiatrist or other mental health professional can assist your child in building his self image through approaches such as behavior therapy to help modify their actions, talk therapy to assist them in changing or coping with symptoms, social skills training to teach them better ways to interact with their peers, and family support groups that bring families together to share the ups and downs of coping with a child with ADHD.

Strategy #3 - Special Education Services

• Some children with ADHD qualify for special education services through their school. Working with a guidance counselor, the school will assess the child's strengths and weaknesses, talk to you and his or her doctor (with your consent), and design an Individualized Education Program (IEP) specifically tailored to your child's needs.

Strategy #4 - Collaboration with School

• Make sure to explain your child's problem to his or her teacher. Give the school nurse and the child's teacher a list of any medications as well as the name and phone number of their doctor. Ask for the teacher's help in ensuring that the child brings home documents and homework assignments. Providing a special folder just for such items often works well. If the teacher agrees to put forth the extra effort, he or she can check that this folder contains the proper papers before the child leaves the classroom every day. The bottom line is to stay on top of things. Try to schedule regular meetings with the teacher, either by phone or in person, to discuss your child's progress.

Strategy #5 - Home Environment

• Children with ADHD need structure and routine. Develop a comprehensive daily schedule, listing all activities from sunrise to sundown. This should include meals, chores, homework, sports, free time, etc. Leave a space for your child to mark off each activity as he or she finishes it. Keep changes to the schedule at a minimum. Make a place for all of your child's possessions, and make sure they are kept in that place. Provide plenty of praise for correct behavior, rewarding exceptionally good behavior with a small reward. Remember that the ADHD child needs consistent, easy-to-understand feedback and encouragement to stay on task.