Child ADHD Therapy and Counseling Services
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can often be managed with behavioral therapy, parent training, and school resources.
- Types of treatment for ADHD include: Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Executive Function Training, Social Skills Training, Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Mindfulness techniques.
- An important aspect of treatment is psychoeducation. This is where you and your child are taught about ADHD and its effects. This helps parents and children make sense of the diagnosis, which can help to cope and live with the condition.
• What ADHD is, its causes, and its impact on a child’s life.
• Why early intervention is essential for managing ADHD effectively.
• The role of behavior therapy, parent training, and school accommodations in ADHD treatment.
• How parent training and behavior management strengthen family relationships and help children regulate behaviors.
• Practical strategies for managing ADHD at home, including creating structure, giving clear instructions, and promoting healthy habits.
• How schools can support children with ADHD through 504 plans and IEPs.
• The importance of psychoeducation to help families understand ADHD.
• Lifestyle interventions, including exercise, nutrition, and sleep, to support ADHD management.
• Why ADHD treatment focuses on modifying the child’s environment for better performance.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition that affects focus, impulsivity, and activity levels. While it can present challenges in academics, relationships, and self-esteem, effective treatment and early intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s life. ADHD is not caused by poor parenting or a lack of effort; rather, it is tied to differences in brain functioning and genetics.
Treatments for ADHD often include behavior therapy, parent training, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), executive function training, and mindfulness techniques. Parent training and behavior management are critical because they equip families with strategies to help children regulate behaviors and build positive relationships. Psychoeducation is also essential to help parents and children understand ADHD and navigate its challenges.
At home, strategies like creating structure, offering clear instructions, and showing affection can build a supportive environment. Schools also play a vital role by offering accommodations under Section 504 or IDEA to help children succeed. Lifestyle adjustments such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and healthy sleep routines can further improve outcomes.
Early intervention is key to fostering self-esteem, preventing secondary issues like anxiety, and helping children develop the skills needed to thrive. By focusing on the child’s natural environment and addressing performance challenges, ADHD treatments empower children and families to overcome obstacles and achieve long-term success.
Questions We Answer
- My child has been diagnosed with ADHD, what do I do?
- What does treatment look like?
- How does parent training and behavior management help my child?
- What can be done at home?
- What can be done at school?
- What is ADHD and what causes it?
- How will ADHD impact a child’s life?
- What are the most effective treatments for ADHD?
- Why is early intervention important?
- Why do current treatments focus on the child’s environment?
My child has been diagnosed with ADHD, what do I do?
Behavior therapy is the recommended treatment for ADHD. The type of behavior therapy that is most effective is parent training and behavior management, meaning that therapists work with parents and teach them the skills needed to help their child better manage ADHD.
The first step we take is to educate parents and children about ADHD and its unique challenges. Your child’s diagnosis is not a reflection of poor parenting or a lack of effort – it is simply a different way their brain processes information.
We work alongside parents to create unique treatment plans that address your child’s needs while providing you with tools to foster positive change at home and school.
What does treatment look like?
Children with ADHD often benefit from behavior therapy, social skills training, and parent skills training.
Our approach includes:
Parent Training & Behavior Management: We equip parents with strategies to handle ADHD behaviors effectively.
Behavior Therapy For The Child: We help children develop skills to improve focus, emotional regulation, and problem-solving.
Collaboration With School: We ensure your child receives the accommodations they need in the classroom.
Lifestyle Interventions: We promote healthy habits like physical activity, balanced nutrition, and consistent sleep routines.
How does parent training and behavior management help my child?
Children with ADHD behave in ways that are challenging for parents. Children may forget things they are told, are hyperactive, and act before thinking.
Even if children with ADHD try to follow rules, they might not be able to. This can have a negative impact on their self-image and cause them to give up trying or to act up more often.
Therapists help parents understand how ADHD affects their child. Parent training and behavior management is used to help change problem behaviors by building parent skills, strengthening the relationship between parents and their child, and teaching children how to manage their own behaviors.
What can be done at home?
We help parents implement strategies to be used at home. Strategies focus on creating structure, how to provide instruction, using positive reinforcement, how to use sensory and physical activates, and creating a friendly environment.
Show Affection: Show your love and appreciation for your child. Focusing only on your child’s negative behaviors can harm your relationship and impact self-esteem. If your child struggles to receive verbal praise, show a smile, give a pat on their shoulder, or a hug to show you care. When you do praise or reward, point towards effort rather than outcome, and point towards specific behaviors.
Providing Direction: Use simple words and demonstrate when giving your child tasks. When giving instructions, use specific language, give one direction at a time, and make eye contact with your child before and during task-giving.
Organizational Skills: Help your child maintain assignments and activities – either in a notebook or on a visual calendar.
Routine: Try to maintain a regular schedule for meals, activities and bedtime. Children with ADHD have difficulties in adjusting to change. When there is an expected change, try to provide enough information ahead of time. Sleep Challenges: Set a regular bedtime; if background noise keeps your child up, try a sound machine or a fan; turn off all electronics at least an hour before bed; and limit physical activity in the evening.
Show Affection: Show your love and appreciation for your child. Focusing only on your child’s negative behaviors can harm your relationship and impact self-esteem. If your child struggles to receive verbal praise, show a smile, give a pat on their shoulder, or a hug to show you care. When you do praise or reward, point towards effort rather than outcome, and point towards specific behaviors.
Providing Direction: Use simple words and demonstrate when giving your child tasks. When giving instructions, use specific language, give one direction at a time, and make eye contact with your child before and during task-giving.
Organizational Skills: Help your child maintain assignments and activities – either in a notebook or on a visual calendar.
Routine: Try to maintain a regular schedule for meals, activities and bedtime. Children with ADHD have difficulties in adjusting to change. When there is an expected change, try to provide enough information ahead of time. Sleep Challenges: Set a regular bedtime; if background noise keeps your child up, try a sound machine or a fan; turn off all electronics at least an hour before bed; and limit physical activity in the evening.
What can be done at school?
We develop strategies for school that help your child be successful.
School Programs: Schools are required by law to have programs that help children with disabilities receive the support they need to learn. Your child may be eligible for resources under these federal laws: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These may include evaluations, lesson adjustments, changes in classroom setup, modified teaching, studying assistance, and increased collaboration between parents and teachers.
We help you through the process of developing and implementing resources at school. We collaborate with your child’s school to request accommodations, and communicate with teachers.
School Programs: Schools are required by law to have programs that help children with disabilities receive the support they need to learn. Your child may be eligible for resources under these federal laws: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These may include evaluations, lesson adjustments, changes in classroom setup, modified teaching, studying assistance, and increased collaboration between parents and teachers.
We help you through the process of developing and implementing resources at school. We collaborate with your child’s school to request accommodations, and communicate with teachers.
What is ADHD and what causes it?
ADHD is a neurological condition that affects focus, impulsivity and activity levels. It’ snot caused by poor parenting or a lack of discipline.
ADHD is linked to:
ADHD is linked to:
- Brain Functioning: Differences in the brain's executive function areas, which regulate self-control, planning, and attention.
- Genetics: ADHD often runs in families, suggesting a strong genetic component.
How will ADHD impact a child's life?
Without proper support, ADHD can affect various aspects of life, including:
- Academics: Trouble focusing can make it challenging to succeed in school.
- Relationships: Impulsivity may lead to conflicts with peers or family members.
- Self-Esteem: Struggling with tasks others find easy can lead to frustration or negative self-image.
However, with early intervention and the right strategies, children with ADHD can learn to manage challenges and thrive.
What are the most effective treatments for ADHD?
Interventions such as accommodations, parent training, and behavior modification are important components of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Behavior Therapy: Teaching children and parents strategies to manage symptoms.
Parent Training: Empowering parents to guide their child’s behavior effectively.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Regular exercise, healthy eating, and quality sleep significantly impact ADHD management.
We create personalized plans that combine these approaches to meet your child’s unique needs.
Behavior Therapy: Teaching children and parents strategies to manage symptoms.
Parent Training: Empowering parents to guide their child’s behavior effectively.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Regular exercise, healthy eating, and quality sleep significantly impact ADHD management.
We create personalized plans that combine these approaches to meet your child’s unique needs.
Why is early intervention important?
Early intervention helps children with ADHD build the skills they need to succeed before challenges escalate. Addressing ADHD early can:
- Reduce stress for the entire family
- Prevent secondary issues like anxiety or depression
- Build self-esteem and confidence during critical developmental years
The earlier you start, the better the long-term outcomes for your child.
Why do current treatments focus on the child's environment?
ADHD is more of a “performance problem” than a “knowing problem.” A child with ADHD may know what to do, but struggle to apply that knowledge effectively. Therefore, treatment should focus on intervening at the “point of performance” in the child’s natural environment.
For example, instead of just teaching a child organizational skills, supports should be provided directly in the settings where the child is struggling with organization.
For example, instead of just teaching a child organizational skills, supports should be provided directly in the settings where the child is struggling with organization.
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Ready to support your child’s emotional health, confidence, and long-term well-being with a trusted child therapist and psychologist in Cook County? Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Schedule an Appointment
Contact Us
Ready to support your child’s emotional health, confidence, and long-term well-being with a trusted child therapist and psychologist in Cook County? Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Schedule an Appointment
Contact Us
Ready to support your child’s emotional health, confidence, and long-term well-being with a trusted child therapist and psychologist in Cook County? Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Schedule an Appointment
Contact Us
Ready to support your child’s emotional health, confidence, and long-term well-being with a trusted child therapist and psychologist in Cook County? Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Schedule an Appointment
Choose Your Location to Get Started
Contact Us
Ready to support your child’s emotional health, confidence, and long-term well-being with a trusted child therapist and psychologist in Cook County? Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Schedule an Appointment
Contact Us
Ready to support your child’s emotional health, confidence, and long-term well-being with a trusted child therapist and psychologist in Cook County? Contact us today to schedule an appointment!