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If your child is diagnosed with attention deficit or ADHD, the only approach below the age of six years as per the American Academy of Pediatrics is the behavior therapy. (1)

Medications cannot be used until the child reaches 6 years of age.

The AAP recommends 3 levels of intervention:

1. parent training in behavior management as the first line of treatment.
2. Behavior therapy with children.
3. Schools can be part of the treatment as well through behavioral classroom intervention and teachers support. (1)

ADHD affects not only a child’s ability to pay attention or sit still at school, it also affects relationships with family and other children. Children with ADHD often show behaviors that can be unaccepted by others. The objective of behavior therapy is to reduce these behaviors by improving a child’s self-control, and self-esteem. (2)

Some tips for parent include: (1)

1. Create a routine to follow from early morning till sleep time
2. Encourage your child to be organized
3. Reward good behaviors
4. Limit distraction sources whenever your child is focusing on his homework
5. Secure a healthy lifestyle
6. Be clear and specific when you talk to your child
7. Be assertive when correcting bad behavior rather than yelling and shouting.

Dr. Elie Choueiry

Pediatrician Intensive Care Specialist- PICU HDF

^{(1) Treatment of ADHD | CDC}

^{https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/treatment.html}

^{(2) Parent Training in Behavior Management for ADHD | CDC}

^{https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/behavior-therapy.html}