Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD and Treatment
ADHD is a neurological disorder that impacts the parts of the brain that help us plan, focus on, and execute tasks. ADHD can affect 1 in 10 children. Visiting with your child’s doctor is the first step in an accurate diagnosis and care. A diagnosis is not required to begin helping.
Because both ADHD and learning disorders are neurodevelopmental disorders, it is not surprising that they may often co-occur. Various research studies have calculated the prevalence of such co-occurrence at 30 percent to 50 percent. At Theratime our therapists have received advanced training in many of these co-occurring learning disabilities. These may include:
- Dyslexia
- Dysgraphia (difficulty with writing)
- Sensory Processing
- Auditory Processing
- Executive Functioning
- Emotional Dysregulation.
Non medication Interventions
At Theratime we have worked with children with ADD and ADHD for over 30 years. Each child presents with their own strengths and weaknesses. We will build a plan that will help reduce symptoms and behaviors that are core to the diagnosis.
Executive Functioning Training-
Executive functioning is a set of mental skills that include working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control. We use these skills every day to learn, work, and manage daily life. Trouble with executive function can make it hard to focus, follow directions, and handle emotions, among other things. This is often referred to as the “Air Traffic Control Center”.
Emotional and Sensory Dysregulation-
Emotional dysregulation refers to poorly regulated emotional responses that are not within a range of typically accepted emotional reactions. Dysregulation can also refer to significant mood swings, significant changes in mood that can’t be controlled. It can involve many emotions, including sadness, anger, irritability, and frustration. Let our trained Occupational Therapist work with your child to teach them to listen to their bodies. These skill sets will give them compensatory tools to deal with their dysregulation in a functional way that will be a life-long skills for them to use.
Sensory Processing Therapy
Sensory Processing Disorder is most observed and diagnosed in children. It is a condition that exists when sensory signals (smell, vision, hearing, touch) don’t get organized into appropriate responses. Children who have problems with this are at high risk for many emotional, social, and educational problems. An evaluation by an occupational therapist who specializes in Sensory Processing is the first step in developing a treatment plan to assist your child.
Social Skills Training
Social Skills Training Does your child have difficulty in social situations or with developing friendships? Children of all make-ups or diagnosis will benefit from this type of life-long communication intervention. Our social skills groups or our individual social skills training may be a great option! We target positive social behavior and skills within a small group or one-on-one individual therapy. The social skills training includes initiating friendships, flexible thinking, starting conversations, participating with a small group, problem solving, perspective taking, and thinking about what others are thinking and feeling. Contact us to find out if a social skills group may benefit your child!
Does your child have the wiggles and needs assistance controlling their bodies? Stay tuned for upcoming programs to help your child use “children’s yoga” and other body listening techniques.
