ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a common psychological disorder that often becomes perceptible once a child starts preschool. Millions of children are diagnosed with ADHD each year, many of them before the age of six. The most prevalent form of treatment is typically prescription medication, which may help to reduce the symptoms of ADHD so the child can function normally in a school setting. Unfortunately, drug medications are not without side effects and can be addictive. For these reasons, many parents seek treatment for ADHD through behavior therapy.



Behavioral therapy, also known as behavior management, is shown to have positive results on ADHD children. The goal of behavior therapy in ADHD children is to increase the desired behaviors. This is typically achieved through using positive reinforcements when the child acts appropriately. The first step of therapy is typically to improve the relationship between the child and the parents. This is coupled with providing negative consequences and positive reinforcements to help the child increase his or her interest in pleasing the parents.

Part of the success of behavior therapy for ADHD children lies in the active interest and support of the child's parents. Parents need to take an active role in making the therapy work for their child. This includes making and following a game plan to which both parents need to use to help guide the child to success. Parents should discuss the ongoing therapy with the doctor to ensure that the program is working for their child.

One of the most important factors in using behavioral therapy is to identify the problem early and start treatment as soon as possible. Even very young ADHD children will benefit from some form of behavioral therapy. One problem has always been early detection of ADHD in children. In the past small children that had disciplinary problems may have been expelled and told to wait until they matured slightly to enter pre-school.

Recent studies have found that when behavior therapy is started very young it can be quite successful as an alternative treatment for ADHD. In a 5-year study conducted by researchers at Lehigh University, Pennsylvania, 135 preschoolers with ADHD were treated with a variety of behavior-only therapies. After a year, researchers found that the children's behavior and learning had improved by about 30 percent. The most effective techniques are based on consistency in rules and routine when dealing with good and bad behaviors.

In many cases, ADHD children can be treated successfully without the use of medications or through the use of reduced medication coupled with behavior therapy. ADHD children respond well the younger they are when they are diagnosed and treated. If you have concerns about whether or not your child is exhibiting symptoms of ADHD you should consult with a doctor. A qualified specialist can perform simple tests to determine if the child has ADHD and if so the severity of the condition.