Managing ADHD

How can I best manage my child's ADHD?

Managing ADHD involves clear communication and teamwork between you and your child's doctor. Below are some helpful tips for goal setting and finding the right treatment options. Read more

What is the right treatment plan?

There are many different ways to treat your child's ADHD, including both behavioral and medication plans. Work with your doctor to determine the right treatment for your child. Read more

Partnering with your doctor

Treating ADHD takes teamwork.

Managing ADHD has 3 phases: diagnosis, treatment, and tracking progress. All of them are designed to help your child move forward, and each depends on clear communication between you and your child's doctor.

ADHD diagnosis

It's not easy to diagnose a child with ADHD. Diagnosis is based on very specific symptoms, which must be present in more than one setting, such as home, school, or peer relationships.

ADHD treatment options

Your child's doctor can suggest many treatment options, including ADHD medications and behavioral therapy, as part of a total treatment plan. But, there is a lot of information to digest. For instance, in terms of behavior, what would you like to see change? Would you prefer a stimulant or non-stimulant medicine? Would you prefer an ADHD medication that can be used once a day?

Doing a little research about ADHD in general and specifically ADHD treatment for children before visiting your child's doctor may be helpful to have a more productive meeting with the doctor.

Goal setting

Goal setting is a key step in creating a total treatment plan to help your child. But it's important to set realistic goals. Work with your doctor to create 3 to 6 areas that would most improve your child's functioning and self-esteem. Create small, achievable goals that can provide the confidence building that your child needs to move forward.

Creating a treatment plan

ADHD can be treated.

There's no one way to treat a child with ADHD. However, children who have a treatment plan with both behavioral treatment and ADHD medications often do the best. It's important to work with your child's doctor on a treatment plan. A treatment plan can involve:

  • Family education and support
  • Behavioral therapy and social skills training
  • An appropriate educational program
  • Medication, when necessary

In addition, here are some small changes you can make at home to help your child get on the right track.

  • Work with your child's doctor to create a daily schedule at home that will become easy for your child to remember and follow. Post the schedule where your child can see it
  • Organize your child's belongings—including school supplies, clothes, and toys—to make them easier to find
  • Minimize distractions, such as television, music, and the computer, while your child is trying to complete a task
  • Don't allow your child too many choices when it comes to selecting food, clothing, or toys
  • Keep instructions to your child short, direct, and clear
  • Set goals for your child, and offer rewards when those goals are met
  • Take away a privilege or put your child in "time out" for misbehavior. Don't resort to shouting or physical discipline
  • Build self-esteem by encouraging and promoting skills at which your child excels