If you are reading this article, you may have identified problem behaviors such as a lack of focus, inability to meet deadlines, be under-performing or unhappy.
An example of treatment guidelines from American Academy of Pediatrics:
Children 4-5 years of age with ADHD should be treated with behavior training first, before trying medication. Parent training in behavior modification is an important first step because it gives parents the skills and strategies to help their child. Behavior training has been shown to work as well as medication for ADHD in young children and is offered by Daniel Wysocki Ed.S.
What is parent training & behavior modification?
Behavior modification is an important first step for young children with ADHD and most effective when it is delivered by parents. It involves goal setting, problem identification, assessment of behaviors, and understanding of reinforcement. Parents can learn to use skills to better manage their child’s ADHD and ways to strengthen their relationship with their child.
Behavior training before medication
Families and individuals are encouraged to attempt behavioral modification interventions before the use of medication. Studies have shown medication is effective, but we believe by making environmental changes first, if you elect to use medicine, you can know you have received optimal treatment.
The challenge of using medication before attempting other interventions is you will not know what is helping. By starting with non-medication treatment first this allows individuals and families to return to their prescriber with accurate reporting on their current successes and failures.
