Behavior modification for children with ADHD Free Essay Example, 1250 words

Many children are losing their battle with ADHD without the much needed help from their surroundings. ADHD cannot be categorized as a medical problem, but it is a behavioral and learning difficulty that needs to be effectively managed in the classroom by teachers and at home by the parents, because â€Å"there is currently no cure for the disorder† (National Institute of Mental Health, 2012, p. 2). This makes ADHD all the more important to be taken as a topic for research. Importance of the topic: Management but not cure is the only way about ADHD. Moreover, the number is continuously increasing; and there are only theories of what is ADHD, what causes it, and what treatments are best to use. Children with ADHD take medication to decrease their behavior problems. However, there has been a lot of controversy with using prescribed stimulant drugs. Appetite suppression and lack of sleep are two common side effects of the medications being used for ADHD. Other side effects include headaches, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and stomachaches (Radcliffe, 2000). Medications, however, are not the only form of treatment used to modify behavior. We will write a custom essay sample on Behavior modification for children with ADHD or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now There are a variety of other treatments that exist for ADHD children such as psychosocial or non-drug treatments. Some of those include skills training, cognitive-behavioral techniques, parent and teacher training therapy, and behavior modification (Cook, 2005). Ultimately, these students suffer from cognitive, emotional, social, behavioral and motivational deficits. These problems manifest because of the child’s inability to maintain focus; an increased level of impatience; and boredom. Children need to be diagnosed properly. Although there are many practical treatments available for children with ADHD, they are not efficient in curing the condition. Common evidence- based treatments include behavioral management, and the use of central nervous system stimulants, or a combination of both (National Institute of Mental Health, 2012). Overtime, there have also been other promising forms of treatments with ADHD children. However, as ADHD are primarily found in children, teacher s play a critical role in treating the ADHD child. For example, teachers can create a conducive environment in the classroom for such students. Teachers can use several forms such as praise, positive feedback, manageable rewards and consequences, the use of a break, communication with parents, and/or modifications with homework and schoolwork. The effectiveness of treatments depends on how involved the teacher is.