A Lifestyle, Not a Disorder

Treating ADHD can be a complex task in many ways. As parents, we seek help immediately for our child when they are diagnosed with ADHD because we want them to have the best possible chance for success. The factor that we often overlook is the impact on others in the family who live with or interact with this ADHD child each day. Family treatment works to build a structure of support that allows each member to thrive, even with the presence of ADHD. Creating a lifestyle that supports the behaviors and outcomes we want produces the desired results that keep harmony both at home and school.

There are several types of family therapies that can be used when working with ADHD:

Problem Solving Communication Training (PSCT)

Communication training for parents and adolescents offered through PSCT assists parents and children (especially teens) in developing communication skills necessary to work through problems. It has helped decrease the number of conflicts at this difficult age.

Behavior Management Training (BMT)

Behavior Managment is a diverse option that has a place in both family therapy as well as individual treatment plans. This method uses techniques that employ consequences for oppositional or non-compliant behaviors and rewards compliant behaviors. This positive reinforcement therapy helps children with ADHD to learn boundaries, both personal and social, and work towards positive behaviors.

Structural Therapy

If your child has become the authority in the house, this may be a helpful therapy for you. Structural therapy helps to re-establish parental authority and hierarchy in the family. It provides the necessary structure and organization in the family unit to allow for fewer conflicts and noncompliance.

Incredible Years Parent, Teacher, and Child Training Programs

This program is successful with children who are having difficulty functioning due to their ADHD. Training involves everyone who interacts with the child on a daily basis and builds a common structure to provide consistency for the child. It helps to reduce misconduct and noncompliance.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy

Families practice specific techniques during these therapy sessions to learn new ways to cope with problem situations. Some areas that may be explored and enhanced are communication and understanding, leading to improved parent-child interactions.

Homework Success Program

This therapy program is shorter than most and helps parents better understand their child, and they learn behavioral techniques to help with behavioral functioning as well as academic productivity.

Combined Therapies

Just as there is more than one treatment option for ADHD, there may be more than one therapy that will help your child and family function more happily and effectively. Many therapists combine different therapies and develop special programs to target the difficulties that your family struggles with.

All methods have been proven to strengthen families and help them to normalize family interactions. Families that have gone through therapy report a decrease in conflicts and an increase in communication. There is no doubt that when the entire family is involved and parents and caregivers become more educated about ADHD techniques, the success rate increases. These methods allow a family to stay strong and united when facing the challenges of living with ADHD.