Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Behavioral Techniques for Children

Learning behavior management techniques is considered to be an essential part of any successful ADHD treatment program. Most experts agree that combining medication treatments with extended behavior management is the most effective way to manage ADHD in children and adolescents.

There are three basic categories or levels of ADHD behavioral training for children:

1. Parent training in effective child behavior management methods.
2. Classroom behavior modification techniques and academic interventions.
3. Special educational placement.

Behavior management is most often used with younger children, but it can be used in adolescents up to 18 years old and even adults. In children and adolescents, the two basic principles are:

• Modeling behavior by encouraging good behavior with healthy praise or rewards. This works best if the reward or praise immediately follows the positive behavior.
• Negatively reinforcing bad behavior by allowing appropriate consequences to occur naturally.

Behavior Management Strategies for Preschoolers (Age 5 and Younger)

• Provide a consistent routine to the days and structure to the environment. Let them know when the routine is changing or something unusual is going to happen, such as a visit from a relative, a trip to the store or a vacation.
• Give your child clear boundaries and expectations. These instructions and guidelines are best given right before the activity or situation.
• Devise an appropriate reward system for good behavior or for completing a certain number of positive behaviors, such as a merit point or gold star program with a specific reward, such as a favorite activity. Avoid using food and especially candy for rewards.
• Engage your child in constructive and mind-building activities, such as reading, games and puzzles by participating in the activities yourself.
• Some parents find that using a timer for activities is a good way to build and reinforce structure. For example, setting a reasonable time limit for a bath or playtime helps train the child to expect limitations, even on pleasurable activities. Giving a child a time limit for chore completion is also useful, especially if a reward is given for finishing on time.