Treating your child from every angle Scientific research has shown that a combination of several treatments are most effective for treating ADHD and its numerous co-occurring problems. We offer a special program to help treat your child as a whole; cognitively, socially, academically, behaviourally and emotionally.
Difficulties concentrating don’t necessarily mean your child has ADHD, and ADHD often goes hand in hand with many other behavioural and emotional disorders. Correct diagnosis of ADHD and any co-occurring problems is one of the most critical stages in your child’s treatment. Your child will undergo a thorough cognitive, academic, behavioural and emotional assessment to assess whether they have ADHD (opposed to other disorders which may appear similar to ADHD). We will also assess which subtype of ADHD your child has and their specific cognitive profile including skills in the following areas:
Step 2: Parent training program and family intervention for behavioural &/or emotional problems
ADHD does not just affect the child– it can have widespread effects upon the family and family relationships. This parent training program is designed to reduce the problems of noncompliance, defiance and/or aggression, and help better manage any difficult behaviours in and outside of the home. We will also consider whether your child has any emotional problems, and treat them accordingly.
Step 3: Classroom & educational interventions We will design for you a classroom-based management system and help work together with your child’s teacher to maximize your child’s learning at school. This system will include both guidelines for the teacher as well as teaching your child self-management techniques. Our special education teacher will also put together a personalised academic intervention program according to the specific strengths and weaknesses of your child.
Step 4: Social skills training Children with ADHD often suffer from high rates of social interaction problems and rejection by their classmates. This program will help train your child in social skills including interrupting appropriately, greeting others, eye contact, conversation & listening skills, dealing with anger, apologizing and other skills. [Click here for more details]
Step 5: Training & building your child’s attention skills We utilize the Play Attention system as well as more standard computerised attention training. Play Attention utilizes Edufeedback technology (a NASA based technology), which teaches your child to control their attentive state in real time. The system features a special helmet with built-in sensors that non-invasively measure the brain waves associated with focus and cognitive processing. The brain waves are translated by an interface unit so your child can control educational video exercises through attention alone. Your child can then learn to maintain this focused awareness, and learn what behaviours detract from their focus as these behaviours occur. We also offer more standard computerised cognitive training of both visual and auditory attention skills, which can be conducted at home through the Challenging Our Minds program.
Step 6: Executive functioning training (planning & organisation) Executive functions are a number of interrelated skills necessary for completing goals, including planning, organisation, problem solving, utilising feedback and flexible thinking. Difficulties with these skills are very common in children with ADHD. Our training program includes both classroom and home interventions to reduce the negative effects of weak executive skills, as well as direct intervention to help improve your child's capacity for using their own executive skills.
Step 7: Deciding when to medicate and monitoring ADHD medication The decision to medicate should be considered carefully and the benefits and negative side effects weighed. It is important that psychosocial and behavioural interventions are properly initiated prior to medication being trialed. If medication has already begun, it is important that the effectiveness of medication is monitored closely at school. We are able to offer parallel assessments both on and off medication to examine the effects of the medication upon your child’s cognitive/attention skills. For more on ADHD medication [click here]
Maximising your child’s success through treating more than just attention problems
Recognising that medication is not a cure and does not treat all problem areas
Giving your child the chance they deserve to reach their potential
