Max is a creative and energetic boy who loves dinosaurs and building complex Lego structures. He lives with his parents and older sister. Max has a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Combined Type.
Presenting Issues:
- Impulsivity: Max frequently interrupted conversations, blurted out answers in class, and struggled to wait his turn during games.
- Inattention: He found it difficult to focus on tasks that weren't highly stimulating, often losing his school supplies and forgetting homework.
- Emotional Dysregulation: Minor frustrations would quickly escalate into intense outbursts, leaving Max feeling overwhelmed and misunderstood.
The Challenge
Max’s parents described their home life as "walking on eggshells." They loved Max’s energy but were exhausted by the constant need to manage his behaviour.
Impact at Home & School:
- At Home: Mornings were a battleground. Getting Max dressed, fed, and out the door often resulted in tears and shouting. His impulsivity meant he often accidentally broke things or hurt his sister during rough play, leading to sibling conflict.
- At School: Max was frequently in trouble for disrupting the class. He struggled to stay seated and often missed instructions because he was distracted. His teacher reported that while he was bright, his academic progress was stalling because he couldn't complete independent work.
- Social Struggles: Max wanted to make friends, but his intensity often pushed peers away. He would take over games or get upset if things didn't go his way, leading to social isolation on the Playground.
Before coming to daar, we felt like we were constantly correcting Max. Now, we have the tools to catch him doing good. The shift in our home from frustration to celebration has been life-changing.
daar Therapy Approach
Max’s family partnered with daar to implement a comprehensive behavioural therapy plan. We focused on equipping Max with skills rather than just managing his symptoms.
Key Interventions Implemented:
- Structured Routines: We worked with Max’s parents to create a visual morning and evening routine. This reduced the cognitive load for Max, allowing him to see exactly what needed to be done next without constant verbal reminders.
- Positive Reinforcement: We implemented a token economy system. Max earned "Dino Points" for specific behaviours like "waiting his turn" or "completing a task." These points could be traded for rewards like a trip to the museum or extra Lego time.
- Impulse Control Strategies: We taught Max the "Stop, Think, Do" method. We used role-playing games to practice pausing before acting, giving his brain a chance to catch up with his body.
- Parent Training: A crucial part of the therapy was empowering Max’s parents. We taught them how to give clear, effective instructions and how to use "planned ignoring" for minor attention-seeking behaviours while heavily reinforcing positive ones.
- Social Skills Coaching: In our clinic sessions, we practiced social scenarios. Max learned how to join a game, how to handle losing, and how to read social cues from others.
Results and Progress
The combination of consistency at home and skill-building in therapy led to significant improvements. Max began to take pride in his ability to manage his own behaviour.
Measurable Improvements:
- Morning Routine: Max now completes his morning routine independently 90% of the time, reducing family stress significantly.
- Classroom Behaviour: His teacher reports a 75% reduction in disruptive interruptions. Max now uses a "fidget tool" to help him focus during listening time.
- Social Success: Max has formed a close friendship with a classmate and was recently invited to his first birthday party in two years.
- Emotional Regulation: The duration of his outbursts has decreased from 20 minutes to under 5 minutes, and he is often able to use deep breathing to calm himself down before exploding.
Key Outcomes
Max’s journey highlights the transformative power of behavioural therapy for children with ADHD.
- Empowerment: Max is no longer defined by his "naughty" behaviour. He sees himself as capable and successful.
- Family Harmony: The tools provided to his parents have reduced conflict and increased positive interactions.
- School Success: By addressing the behavioural barriers to learning, Max is finally able to show his academic potential.
Conclusion
ADHD is not a deficit of ability; it is a difference in how the brain processes information. With the right support, children like Max can unlock their incredible potential. At daar, we specialize in positive behaviour support that turns challenges into strengths.
If you are ready to move from surviving to thriving with ADHD, we are here to guide you.
Ready to unlock your child's potential?
Contact daar today to learn more about our tailored behavioural therapy programs for ADHD.