Behaviour management

Once the diagnosis has been made and education about the disorder has taken place, the next step is to identify the major issues contributing to the struggles of the child with ADHD. One of the most important pieces to be treated are the stated behaviour problems which consistently get the child into trouble at home, in the community and/or at school. If left untreated, the negative behaviours displayed by the child can (and probably will) lead him or her to feelings of demoralization, decreased self esteem, anger, oppositional behaviour, and possibly trouble with the law.

The literature and research tells us that children with ADHD respond better to positive reinforcement. In simple terms, this means complimenting the child when he or she has done something correctly. It does not have to be perfect – often, for children with ADHD, it is having success with the simple things that makes the difference.

Many parents say they have tried many behaviour management strategies, but these don’t work for their particular child. In many ways this is true, and in many ways it is false. Children with ADHD respond differently than children who do not have the disorder. Their lack of rule-governed behaviour and lack of responsiveness to consequences make behaviour management a challenge. There are many programs available to parents that specifically focus on issues described as troublesome for a child with ADHD.

The type of program you initiate in your home should be something that is easily workable for your family and can be adapted outside the family as well. Remember that many ADHD children become bored quickly with these programs. Do not give up. You may need to change the program slightly or put it away and start again in a week or so. Review the goals. Are they realistic and timely? Are the rewards reasonable for you and your child? Rewards do not have to be costly. They can be as simple as a 10- to 15-minute period of your time doing something with the child that only occurs during that reward time, e.g. a specific game, book, story, etc.

Overall, any behaviour management program with positive reinforcement as the guide will prove successful in the long term. Positive self esteem is a critical factor in the child’s success in life. With a positive approach this can be supported and maintained.

Examples of behaviour management programs

Dr. R. Barkley
Taking Charge of ADHD

Dr. T. Phelan
1, 2, 3 Magic (Book or Video)

Ms. C. Alexander-Roberts
ADHD Parenting Handbook and ADHD Parenting Teens Handbook

For more information, see the Resources.

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