Solving the Puzzle of ADHD Treatment for Your Child
When your child is first diagnosed with ADHD, a million questions are running through your mind. One of the first questions you may ask yourself is: “what can I do to help support my child?” There are many ADHD treatment options to help reduce symptoms of ADHD in children. Navigating your options can be a complex and puzzling process.
It isn’t one that you have to figure out alone. Specialists at HPA/LiveWell, which serves the greater Albany, NY area, can help provide guidance regarding the treatment options that are right for your child.
What type of ADHD treatment is available?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) there are two main types of treatment for children six years of age and older which are therapy and ADHD medications. While each is a separate treatment, it is recommended that both options are utilized together. For children under six years of age, therapy alone is recommended as the primary method of treatment.
Everyone responds differently to medication. Medication can best be seen as a tool –one which should be combined with other treatments. These ADHD treatment options, when used together, are an effective means to help children improve their ability to focus, control impulsive behavior, pay attention and reduce hyperactivity.
What does therapy involve?
Research conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges the important role that therapy plays in treatment. ADHD treatment should begin following a diagnosis and can involve not only the child but in most cases will also incorporate their family. At the onset of treatment specific goals will be set for your child. You and your child will work closely with your therapist in selecting these goals.
A diagnosis of ADHD often imposes behavioral concerns which impact the entire family dynamic. At diagnosis feelings of confusion and anger might set in, but it is important to realize that supporting your child will help everyone in the family. Through therapy, parents will be able to learn about how to decrease stress and frustration that they are experiencing.
Relationships within the family can be affected. Therapy is designed to strengthen the parent-child relationship which might have become strained. Another goal of therapy is to encourage families to help increase positive behaviors, while working to reduce negative behaviors. Part of this process might focus on learning an entirely new set of behaviors.
Who is involved in treatment?
ADHD may impact a child’s behavior at school and home. Because of this, it is important that many professionals collaborate to provide the best treatment possible for the child. Your treatment team may consist of family members, therapists and teachers all working together to reach your child’s goal.
Families also might be interesting in becoming part of a local support group. Support groups allow families to connect with other families that have similar experiences.
The National Institute of Mental Health recommends seeking a specialist to help show your child how to make positive changes. To reach a specialist and help learn more about a personalized ADHD treatment plan for your child, please call the HPA/LiveWell office in Albany, NY at 518-218-1188.
