The American Pediatric Association recommends parent coaching as the most effective treatment protocol (in addition to medication management) for the treatment and support of ADHD children. The problem is, most therapists, psychologists and pediatricians are not specifically trained in working with ADHD, so they recommend play therapy. Why is that a problem?
➤ Play Therapy versus Behavior Management Training with an ADHD Coach for Parents
Play therapy focuses on the underlying problems behind a child’s behavior. But, ADHD isn’t a problem. Yes, it does cause many of your children’s behaviors, but it cannot be changed through play therapy. The only thing that play therapy for ADHD children can improve are the consequences of the ADHD- so things like low self-esteem or low confidence. Yes, play therapy is helpful, but if your goals are related to the core challenges with ADHD, then parent behavior management training is what you are seeking.
➤ ADHD Coaching for Parents / Parent Behavior Management training?
Parent coaching (also known as Parent Behavior Management training) focuses on developing new core habits within the family based off of the latest brain research on the ADHD child’s developmental stages and how they are impacted by their ADHD diagnosis. The reality is mainstream parenting support does not work with ADHD because it is not focused on diagnosis specific tools and recommendations. Our parent coaching focuses on learning in depth information about ADHD as well as how ADHD impacts things like executive functioning, confidence and anger. Parent coaching works because you gain tools and knowledge about why the behavior is happening and how to correct it moving forward.
➤ What ADHD symptoms can be corrected through parent coaching for ADHD?
All of the core ADHD symptoms can be improved through proper parent support. Here are some of the main ones:
- Tendency to overthink everything
- Excessive anxiety about making the right/wrong decision
- Low executive functioning (the ability to listen, follow through and complete tasks)
- Difficulty with transitioning between activities
- Not listening the first time
- Forgetfulness
- Challenges with screen time
- Social challenges
- Emotional immaturity
- ADHD anger reaction- yells first, thinks second
- Acting disrespectful or lazy
- Challenges at school with behavior or focus
- Overreacting
It is true that these symptoms will not disappear because ADHD cannot be cured. However, with the proper tools in place, you will find that you as a parent can support your child in achieving to the best of their ability, and the stress in your home will decrease significantly.
The Dandelion Difference
We do our best to make the process of therapy exactly what you need.
Yoga and Mindfulness
Social Skills Classes
Weekly Parent Sessions
Neurofeedback
Teacher Recommendations
Unlimited Calls and Email
Written Accommodations
Classroom Observations
Due to our intensive parenting support process, in addition to individual weekly child sessions, weekly parenting sessions are expected at the beginning of therapy. The duration of these sessions depends on the level of distress in the family and the level of parenting needs. With meeting weekly, many families meet their goals in 6-8 months!