Does My ADHD Child Need Behavior Therapy?

When a child is diagnosed with ADHD, parents are often thrust into a complex world of acronyms, therapies, and varying professional opinions. One area that can be particularly confusing is the realm of behavior interventions. Terms like "behavior therapy," "parent behavior therapy," and "parent behavior training" are often used interchangeably, yet they represent distinct approaches with different levels of professional expertise. This lack of clarity can leave parents feeling overwhelmed and unsure of which path to take. It's crucial to understand the nuances of these terms to make informed decisions about your child's care. In this post, I aim to demystify these terms, explaining what each one entails and highlighting the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) recommended treatment approach for children with ADHD. I'll also discuss the reasons why you may not have heard about the AAP recommendations and offer guidance on where to find effective support and training. Understanding the landscape of behavior interventions is the first step toward empowering yourself to advocate for your child's needs and access the most effective resources available.

Behavior Therapy: A Broad Term

"Behavior therapy" is a rather vague term encompassing various approaches. It can refer to:

• Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): This might involve a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or someone with ABA training.
• Master's Level Clinicians: Some clinicians with master's degrees have training in behavior management and may use this term.
• Untrained Individuals: Anyone can call themselves a "behavior therapist" or "behavior coach," regardless of their qualifications.

Parent Behavior Training: The Recommended Approach

Parent behavior training (sometimes called parent behavior therapy) is the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommended treatment for children with ADHD. This involves parents learning specific parenting strategies. Well-known, evidence-based programs include Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, Parent Management Training, and the Nurtured Heart Approach.

The ADHD Dude Approach: Scaffolding Better Behavior

I created my own parent behavior training program, Scaffolding Better Behavior, because existing programs didn't adequately address executive functioning, a core challenge for children with ADHD. My program is the first specifically designed for parents of kids with ADHD, drawing influence from Nonviolent Resistance and the Nurtured Heart Approach.

Why You Might Not Have Heard About This

Many professionals, educators, and even pediatricians are unaware of the American Academy of Pediatrics' treatment recommendations. This often leads to referrals for talk therapy or play therapy, which, while potentially supportive, are not evidence-based treatments for ADHD. Cognitive Behavior Therapy is evidence-based, but primarily for older teens and adults who are motivated to participate.

Finding Parent Behavior Training

Parent behavior training programs can be difficult to find. They are sometimes offered through children's hospitals, mental health agencies, or by private practitioners.

Check out Scaffolding Better Behavior, part of the ADHD Dude Membership Site. And for more information and support, watch the full video on YouTube and explore other videos on the ADHD Dude YouTube channel.