Kids Awareness Series

A by-product often seen in ADHD children is difficult behavioral problems.  This particular disorder causes difficulty with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and self-control.  It is issues with their self-control that often get them into trouble at home and at school as a result of their inability to restrain their behaviors.  Often times, their behaviors make others upset and I have heard repeatedly from parents, “I swear my child is trying to tick me off on purpose.”  This may actually be the case, it often seems that their primary objective is to get a rise out of their parents as a means to stimulate their brain.  Children of course will deny this over and over, however turmoil often surrounds the ADHD child due to their lack of self-control and inability to censor what they often say and do.  To reshape these behaviors or in Psychology world we call this Behavior Modification, there are several steps that must be taken in order to retrain the behavioral problems of an ADHD child.  First, you must define the particular behavior you want to change.  Only pick one behavior at a time, otherwise it becomes too overwhelming both for the parent and the child.  For example-hitting classmates or a younger sibling.  Secondly, establish a baseline period of time.  In other words, log how long you plan on monitoring this behavior and how  many times the behavior occurs.  Thirdly, communicate the rules and your expectations of your child CLEARLY to them.  Children have to know how they are expected to act in order for a behavioral plan to work.  Fourthly, reward their behavior consistently when the desired behavior is observed.  Lastly, if they engage in the undesired or unwanted behavior, then you dispassionately provide negative consequences for the behavior.  No yelling, no screaming, just pass out punishment for negative behaviors.  Screaming never works, they learn to tune you out!!