Psychosocial Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Essay

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Psychosocial Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

LaCosta Simpson
Sharron Bevins
Psychology
November 10, 2011

Psychosocial treatment for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a critical part of treatment for many different reasons. Psychosocial treatment refers to treatment that targets the psychological and social aspects of AD/HD. This treatment consists of many different interventions that help a child without having them on medication. Behavioral modification, school intervention, parent interventions, and child interventions seem to be the most effective. Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) use behavioral modification skills to learn how to interact with other children. With behavioral modification teachers, parents, and children learn techniques from educators and therapist in the approach to help the child’s behavior. Behavior modification is divided into three terms: Antecedents, something that triggers or happens before a certain behavior; Behaviors, what the child does that a parent or teacher needs to change, and Consequences; what happens after the behavior. These are often referred to as the ABS's of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder observations. By changing the ways a teacher or parent reacts to the child’s behavior can teach children new ways of behaving. To get the best results, interventions should be carried out. There are major points that need to be focused on and should be incorporated into the behavior modification. Goals need to be setup for the child that can be achieved into small steps. Overloading the child could cause a setback. Be consistent- do not slack with the child at any given point. Implement behavioral interventions for as long as possible. Quitting after a few months could allow a major setback. Teaching behavior skills isn't going to be easy. Learning new skills take time and will gradually show an improvement. The first step is to find a professional mental health provider who can provide behavioral therapy. Asking your family health care provider for a referral or opinion can help with making the final decision. The therapist will begin with a complete observation and evaluation of the child behavior on a daily basis. The evaluation will consist of what type of behavior and reactions take place at home, school, and in their social settings. Most of the information taken by the therapist will come from the parent and school teachers. The therapist will also meet with the child one-on-one to be able to further understand the child. After the target behaviors are found, interventions will begin at home and school. The teacher and parent will set up a program and establish it within the classroom and home settings. This will help modify the consequences to change the target behaviors. This will be used until the goal of the child's behavior is met or is no longer needed. Ensuring your child’s success at school is a big issue. Become your child’s effective case manage. Keep a record of all information about your child. These records include information such as previous evaluations and documents from prior meetings pertaining to your child. You also need to make available treatments, placements, and contact information from prior professional treatments that have worked with your child.
Take an active role in forming a team within the school that understands AD/HD and that can help the child. Meetings with the principal, teachers, school counselor, and school psychologist should be arranged to meet the special needs of the child. A thorough understanding of your child’s strength and weaknesses and how the disorder affects him or her will help members of this team go on to develop an appropriate and effective program that will take place in account for the disorder. The parent may have to represent their child’s best interest in school situation whether