Can ADD be treated? Are there chances for the attention-deficit, hyperactive child to gain a semblance of normalcy in life? Or is it futile to venture into whatever kind of ADD behavior management?
One need not be a psychologist or psychiatrist to know that ADD behavior management can be a tricky task. Medication may not be enough as drugs may merely be palliative, and not able to attack the heart of the problem. Behavior management that considers the physiological and psychological sides of the disorder will have better chances of success.
ADD behavior management must start from the sufferers immediate circle of family members, friends, classmates or colleagues. The ADD sufferer will, over time and medication and therapy, surely begin to change for the better, but the change must start from the individuals family for one.
A parent must begin to accept the difficult situation brought about by the disorder, and must make a conscionable decision to mend his or her ways to adapt to the demands of an ADHD child. When the child misbehaves or gets into trouble as a result of the hyperactivity, the parent might think it natural to shout at the child or levy some sort of punishment for the misbehavior. Instinctive, but not very helpful, really, as experts agree. The parent has to practice positive reinforcement of the childs deeds, however dysfunctional they may be. Mere rephrasing a scolding statement can spell the difference between the child regressing and the child realizing his mistake and resolving not to do it again. Rather than saying youre bad, you wont change, the child can be reprimanded with youre better than that or you can do it.
ADD behavior management may take several forms, but one very basic strategy is to adopt a rewards-based method rather than a punishment-based one. While the child is made aware of the consequences of the behavior, the child can also be assured that a reward awaits positive behavior and efforts to do so. It does not have to be monetary; it does not even have to be tangible. As long as there is positive recognition, positive reinforcement, the child will deem it as reward enough. The parent, therapist, or doctor, must be able to make the child aware of the situation, the consequences, and the rewards.
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