1. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD IN THE HOME
4/30/02
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Tips for Understanding and Managing ADHD in the Home
Presented by: Brett L. Patterson, M.A.
Brett L. Patterson, M.A.

2. Goals for This Presentation
ADHD IN THE HOME
4/30/02
Goals for This Presentation
Provide a basic understanding of what ADHD is, and what it is not.
Attempt to answer any questions and dispel any myths that many people have regarding ADHD.
Introduce some guiding principles for dealing with ADHD behaviors.
Brett L. Patterson, M.A.

3. ADHD IN THE HOME
4/30/02
ADHD Exposed
ADHD is identifiable via behavioral, not physical characteristics, making it more likely to be misunderstood.
Misperceptions:
Behaviors that directly result from ADHD are not primarily attributable to poor parenting, lack of discipline, low motivation, or intentional “trouble making.”
Not everything that fidgets and/or behaves defiantly is ADHD.
Brett L. Patterson, M.A.

4. What Is ADHD? Neurobehavioral disorder marked by:
Inattention
Difficulties controlling impulses
Excessive motor activity (hyperactivity)
Be aware…the mere presence of these behaviors does not mean the child has ADHD.

5. Indicators of ADHD as a Developmental Disorder (Barkley, 1995)
Seen in early child development
Behaviors clearly distinguish child from non-ADHD children
Occurs across several situations (though not necessarily in all of them)
Behaviors persistent over time
Child not able to perform at age-appropriate levels
Not accounted for by environment of social causes
Related to brain function
Associated with other biological factors that can affect brain function (i.e. head injuries, genetics)

6. Things We Can See (aka, Common Complaints)
Difficulties sustaining attention
Daydreaming
Child doesn’t listen
Always losing things
Forgetful
Easily distracted
Needs constant supervision
Child doesn’t finish anything he/she starts

7. Common Complaints (cont’d)
Problems with impulse control
Impatient/Difficulties waiting for things
Always interrupting others
Blurts out answers
Doesn’t take turns
Tries to take shortcuts on many tasks (including chores, homework, etc.)

8. Common Complaints (cont’d)
Hyperactivity
Always on the go
Squirmy…can’t sit still
Talks too much
Frequently hums or makes odd noises
Unable to “put the brakes on” motor activity
Child has two speeds; asleep and awake

9. What Do These Behaviors Have in Common?
Problem isn’t as much sustaining attention as it is sustaining inhibition…this is the hallmark of ADHD
Inhibition: a mental process that restrains an action (behavior) or emotion
Problems of inhibition are not a matter of choice, but are instead a result of what is (or is not) going on in the child’s brain

10. ADHD and the Human Brain
Portions of brain’s frontal lobe are responsible for “Executive” functions:
Consolidating information from other areas of the brain
“Considers” potential consequences and implications of behaviors
Puts “brakes” on (inhibits) impulsive reactions
Initiates appropriate response to environment

11. ADHD and the Brain (cont’d)
Research suggests that in in children with ADHD, these “executive” areas of the brain are under-active
Increasing the activity level in these areas of the ADHD brain have been shown to decrease behavioral symptoms. This is the logic behind using Stimulant medications as a first line treatment for the disorder.

12. Common Stimulant Medications
Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
Amphetamine/ Dextroamphetamine (Adderall)
Pemoline (Cylert)

13. Things That Look Like ADHD
Depression
Anxiety
Hearing problems
Visual problems
Seizure disorder
Oppositional defiant disorder
Autism
Learning disabilities
Parenting problems
Substance use
Medication side-effects
Lead poisoning

14. Ten Guiding Principles for Raising a Child with ADHD (Barkley, 1995)
Give your child more immediate feedback and consequences
Give more frequent feedback
Use larger and more powerful consequences
Use incentives before punishment
Strive for consistency

15. Ten Guiding Principles for Raising a Child with ADHD (cont’d)
Act, don’t yak!
Plan ahead for problem situations
Keep a disability perspective
Don’t personalize your child’s problems or the disorder
Practice forgiveness

16. In Using These Principles, It Is Important That the Parent:
Pause before reacting to the child
Use the ensuing delay to remember all 10 guiding principles (post them around the house if necessary)
Choose a response that is consistent with the principles

17. Additional Tips for Managing ADHD Behaviors
Pay positive attention to your child…catch them being good
Give effective commands
Short, sweet, and straightforward
Limit the number of tasks to 1-2 per command
Maintain clear and consistent expectations
Communicate realistic consequences for inability to meet expectations

18. Tips for Managing ADHD (Cont’d)
Manage the child’s environment
Limit distracting influences during times when child is asked to be on task (i.e. homework)
Maintain a regular and predictable daily schedule
When eliciting child’s input, limit (but don’t eliminate) the number of choices available to him/her to 2-3 options

19. Tips for Managing ADHD (Cont’d)
Be patient
Be persistent
Be understanding
*Most importantly, remember to differentiate the behaviors from the child
Bad behaviors are not synonymous with a bad child

20. Resources Available to Parents
Children and Adults with ADD (CHADD): a family support organization that provides a variety of services. ( or the Central OK chapter phone number is
There is a plethora of readings available to those interested in obtaining more information on ADHD. One that I have found particularly useful in working with parents is Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete Authoritative Guide for Parents, by Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D. (1995)