Mia (Name changed for privacy) is a creative and energetic girl diagnosed with ADHD and mild intellectual disability. She lives with her parents and grandmother. Mia loves drawing and animals but struggles with emotional regulation and impulsivity.
Presenting Issues:
- Emotional Dysregulation: Intense meltdowns over minor triggers, such as being asked to switch off the TV or get dressed.
- Impulsivity: Frequently interrupting conversations, grabbing items from others, and running off in public spaces without checking for safety.
- Sleep Issues: Difficulty settling at night, leading to exhaustion for the whole family.
The Challenge
Mia’s family felt like they were constantly "putting out fires." The unpredictability of her moods made it difficult to plan outings or even have a peaceful dinner.
Impact at Home & School:
- At Home: Mia’s parents were exhausted and stressed. Her grandmother, who helped with care, felt overwhelmed and unsure how to handle the meltdowns. The family had stopped inviting friends over due to fear of a scene.
- At School: Mia was frequently in trouble for disrupting the class and struggling to follow instructions. She was starting to view herself as the "naughty kid," which was damaging her self-esteem.
- Caregiver Burnout: The lack of consistent strategies meant everyone was reacting differently to Mia’s behaviour, causing confusion for her and friction between the adults.
We used to dread the evenings. Now, we have a routine that works. daar didn't just help Mia; they gave us our confidence back as parents. We know how to support her now, and that has changed everything.
daar Therapy Approach
Mia’s family reached out to daar for help. We implemented a family-centered positive behaviour support plan designed to empower the caregivers as much as the child.
Key Interventions Implemented:
- Family Training Workshops: We conducted sessions with Mia’s parents and grandmother to explain the "why" behind her behaviour. We shifted the focus from "naughty" to "struggling to regulate," which changed their approach from punishment to support.
- Consistent Routine & Visuals: We helped the family create a consistent daily routine with visual charts for morning and bedtime. This predictability reduced Mia’s anxiety and resistance.
- Positive Reinforcement System: We introduced a token economy system where Mia earned tokens for specific positive behaviours (e.g., "gentle hands," "listening first time"). These could be traded for rewards like a special art activity with Mum.
- Socialised Behaviour Therapy: We worked with Mia on recognizing her own "engine speeds" (alert levels) and taught her strategies to calm down, like deep breathing or squeezing a stress ball.
- Sleep Hygiene Plan: We established a calming pre-bed routine and adjusted her bedroom environment to be more sensory-friendly, helping her wind down effectively.
Results and Progress
Over six months, the home environment transformed from chaotic to calm. The family now feels equipped to handle challenges together.
Measurable Improvements:
- Reduction in Meltdowns: The duration of meltdowns has decreased from 45 minutes to under 10 minutes, and they occur far less frequently (from daily to 1-2 times a week).
- Improved Sleep: Mia now falls asleep within 30 minutes of bedtime (previously 2+ hours) and sleeps through the night most nights.
- School Success: Teachers report that Mia is more focused and is using her "calm down" strategies in the classroom. She has received two "Star of the Week" awards for improved behaviour.
- Family Harmony: The family has started hosting Sunday lunches again, something they hadn't done in two years.
Key Outcomes
Mia’s story demonstrates that behaviour therapy for children is most effective when it empowers the entire family unit.
- Caregiver Confidence: Mia’s parents and grandmother now have a shared toolkit of strategies. They are consistent, calm, and effective.
- Child’s Self-Esteem: Mia sees herself as capable and successful. The positive reinforcement has shifted her self-image from "naughty" to "learner."
- Sustainable Change: Because the family is driving the support, the changes are lasting and adaptable to new challenges.
Conclusion
When families are supported, children thrive. Positive behaviour support isn't just about the child; it's about building a team around them. daar is dedicated to empowering families with the knowledge and skills to create a happy, harmonious home.
If you feel overwhelmed by your child's behaviour, remember you don't have to do it alone. daar can provide the guidance and support you need.
Ready to empower your family?
Contact daar today to discuss how our family-centered behaviour support can help you.