Parent Information Guides

Attention Deficit Disorder	Depression
Asperger's Syndrome	Dyslexia
Anxiety Disorders	Fragile X Syndrome
Autism	Learning Disabilities
Bedwetting	OCD
Bipolar Disorder	Shyness
Communication Disorders	Tourette's Syndrome

Psychological Treatment for Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - ADHD

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that treatment for ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder should consist of a comprehensive plan using MEDICATION AND/OR PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENT.  Children with mild to moderate symptoms may ONLY NEED PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS to achieve significant improvement.  Also, some research studies indicate that the use of psychological/behavioral interventions along with medication may reduce the dose of medication necessary for effective treatment.

Unfortunately, psychological interventions are often only minimally addressed or left out entirely.  This is often due to time constraints for the physician as well as those of the parents and the child.

Child Development Institute recognized this and has produced a multi-media program known as Total Focus™ that involves the parents and children working together as a team to help the child achieve success at school and enjoy life at home and in the community. 

The program is based on 20 years of clinical experience of Child Psychologist, Dr Bob Myers and is produced by a leading publisher of parenting programs.  Dr Bob also shares additional insights from his own experience successfully raising a son with ADHD which parents find both comforting and encouraging.

This cost effective, evidenced based program provides workbook materials and audio lessons and even a temperature biofeedback device for use by both parents and kids that teach coping skills.   Total Focus™ is based on psychological treatment strategies recommended by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):

• Parent Education
• Behavior Modification Programs for Home and School
• Relaxation Training to Improve Emotional Control
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Improve Motivation, Problem Solving Skills and Self-Esteem
• Fun Cognitive Rehabilitation Exercises (Brain Training) to Improve Attention, Concentration and Executive Functioning
• Parent Coached Social Skill Training  <full story>

Self-esteem is how we feel about ourselves, and our behavior clearly reflects those feelings.  For example, a child or teen with high self-esteem will be able to:

• act independently
• assume responsibility
• take pride in his accomplishments
• tolerate frustration
• attempt new tasks and challenges
• handle positive and negative emotions
• offer assistance to others

On the other hand, a child with low self-esteem will:

• avoid trying new things
• feel unloved and unwanted
• blame others for his own shortcomings
• feel, or pretend to feel, emotionally indifferent
• be unable to tolerate a normal level of frustration
• put down his own talents and abilities
• be easily influenced

Parents, more than anyone else can promote their child's self-esteem.  It isn't a particularly difficult thing to do.  If fact, most parents do it without even realizing that their words and actions have great impact on how their child or teenager feels about himself.  Here are some suggestions to keep in mind.
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