Max (Name changed for privacy) is a creative and energetic boy who loves Lego and drawing. He lives with his parents and older brother. Max was diagnosed with ADHD (Combined Type) at age 6.
Presenting Issues:
- Impulsivity: Max frequently interrupted conversations blurted out answers in class, and struggled to wait his turn during games.
- Emotional Dysregulation: Small frustrations often escalated into major meltdowns, involving shouting and throwing objects.
- Task Avoidance: Homework and daily chores were major flashpoints, with Max often refusing to start or becoming easily distracted.
The Challenge
Max’s parents described their home life as "walking on eggshells." The constant need to manage Max’s energy and outbursts was exhausting for the entire family.
Impact at Home & School:
- At Home: Mornings were chaotic. Getting Max dressed, fed, and out the door often resulted in tears and shouting matches. Evenings were dominated by battles over homework and screen time. His older brother often retreated to his room to avoid the noise and conflict.
- At School: Max was frequently in trouble for disrupting the class. He struggled to stay seated and often distracted his peers. His teacher reported that while Max was bright, his inability to focus was affecting his academic progress and social relationships.
- Parental Stress: Max’s parents felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to help him. They worried that his behaviour was damaging his self-esteem and his future prospects.
We used to dread the phone ringing, knowing it was the school. Now, we get notes about how helpful and focused Max is. The change isn't just in his behaviour; it's in his happiness. He believes in himself again.
daar Therapy Approach
Max’s family partnered with daar to implement a structured behaviour therapy plan. We focused on the "Top 5 Strategies for ADHD Behaviour Therapy Success" to create a comprehensive support system.
Key Interventions Implemented:
- Parent Training & Involvement: We started by empowering Max’s parents. They learned positive behaviour support techniques to manage their own reactions and provide consistent guidance. This shifted the dynamic from reactive punishment to proactive coaching.
- Positive Reinforcement: We established a "Lego Token System." Max earned tokens for specific positive behaviours like "waiting his turn" and "starting homework on time." These tokens could be exchanged for small Lego sets, tapping into his intrinsic motivation.
- Consistent Structure & Routine: We created visual schedules for the morning and evening routines. A "Homework Station" was set up in a quiet corner, free from distractions. We also used visual timers to help Max understand how long he needed to focus before a break.
- School Collaboration: We worked closely with Max’s teacher to implement similar strategies in the classroom. This included a "secret signal" the teacher could use to remind Max to focus without drawing attention to him, and a seating plan that minimized distractions.
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Results and Progress
Over six months, the combination of home and school strategies created a consistent environment where Max could thrive. The chaos was replaced by calm, structured progress.
Measurable Improvements:
- Reduced Meltdowns: Major emotional outbursts decreased from daily occurrences to less than once a week. Max now uses his "cool down" strategies independently.
- Academic Focus: Max’s teacher reports a significant increase in task completion. He is now finishing 90% of his classwork on time, compared to less than 50% previously.
- Morning Routine: The morning struggle has vanished. Max now gets ready for school independently using his visual checklist, leaving the house on time and stress-free.
- Social Skills: Max is now able to wait his turn during games and has started to form positive friendships with his classmates.
Key Outcomes
Max’s story demonstrates the power of a multi-faceted approach to behaviour therapy for children with ADHD.
- Self-Regulation: Max has moved from being controlled by his impulses to managing them. He has the tools to navigate his emotions.
- Family Unity: The tension in the home has dissolved. The family can now enjoy time together without the constant fear of an outburst.
- School Success: Max is no longer the "naughty kid." He is a capable student who is recognized for his potential, not just his challenges.
classwork completion rate
weekly meltdown incidents
success in an independent morning routine
Conclusion
ADHD doesn't have to define a child's future. With the right strategies—like positive behaviour support, routine, and collaboration—children like Max can turn their challenges into strengths. daar is dedicated to helping families navigate this journey with expert guidance and compassionate care.
If you are looking for effective socialised behaviour therapy strategies for your child, don't wait. The right support can change everything.
Ready to transform your child's behaviour?
Contact daar today to discuss how our tailored ADHD behaviour therapy programs can help your family find success.
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