Effective ADHD Treatments for Children That Make a Difference

When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, many parents may find themselves asking what

treatment options are available and which ones will be most effective. ADHD treatment

should be evidence-based and individualised to the child’s needs. An effective treatment

plan should assist them to manage their symptoms in areas such as attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity and executive functioning so they can participate more successfully at home, at school and with peers. Many children with ADHD exhibit additional challenges such as anxiety, learning difficulties, sleep problems, low mood or emotional dysregulation. In addition, ADHD commonly cooccurs with other disorders, such as Dyslexia and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

An effective treatment plan considers factors such as:

• The child’s age and developmental stage

• The child’s strengths and difficulties

• How ADHD is affecting home, school and relationships including with peers

• Any co-occurring developmental, emotional or learning needs

• Supports that are already in place

• The child and family’s preferences

Treatment for ADHD is usually most effective when a combination of supports or

interventions is implemented and may include one or more of the following:

Psychoeducation

Educating parents, individuals, and any other adults who routinely interact with the child

about ADHD is an important component of any treatment plan. There are many ‘myths’

associated with ADHD and it is important to obtain factual information that is evidence

based.

Lifestyle Factors

Adjustments to lifestyle factors such as sleep, diet, screen time and physical activity may

need to be considered as part of any treatment plan. Regular exercise, for example, has

been shown to improve cognitive functioning and may assist with ADHD symptoms including focus. Sleep has an impact on health and development and is important for areas such as learning, attention and physical growth.

Parent and Family Training

Parent support is recommended to help them better understand how ADHD affects a child’s behaviour. It can help parents manage challenging behaviours, emotional regulation and to better support their child’s success.

School Adjustments

Students with ADHD need instructional and environmental adjustments at school. They are also eligible for accommodations for examinations. Adjustments for students with ADHD can include rest breaks, additional time allowances, flexible seating and simplified

instructions.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

This is provided by a qualified psychologist and can be helpful for children and adolescents to manage their ADHD symptoms and behaviours.

ADHD Coaching

ADHD coaching focuses on practical skill-building, using individual strengths and resources to solve problems. It may help individuals with ADHD develop strategies for areas such as planning, organisation, motivation, routines, time management and regulation.

Pharmacological Treatments

Medication can be an effective treatment for ADHD symptoms for some children. In

Australia, ADHD medication is usually prescribed and monitored by a paediatrician, child

psychiatrist or another appropriately authorised medical practitioner.

At Butterfly Psychology for Kids, we conduct ADHD assessments and provide

recommendations for treatment options. For more information see here.

Source: Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD