WINNING STRATEGIES FOR CHILDREN WITH ADHD (continued)
There are many strategies that parents can use to treat their child’s ADHD. At Fitness for Health, our physical therapists, occupational therapists, and integrated movement specialists are effective at helping a child control her impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and inattentiveness. In-clinic treatments, combined with at-home strategies, are helpful at improving an ADHD child’s overall behavior. ADHD and Our Integrated Care Team Many doctors will recommend physical therapy and/or occupational therapy as a formof treatment for young children diagnosedwith ADHD. Our integrated care teamwill use several techniques to encourage the child to control his or her behavior. Our team can suggest strategies to use in different situations. For instance, through therapeutic exercise, physical therapy, andoccupational therapy, a childwith ADHD can discover a healthy way to cope when the urge strikes to act out in a disruptive way. Our services are also useful for children who are struggling socially. ADHD childrenmay have difficulty interactingwith their peers and have the inability tomake lasting friendships. Our integrated care teammay meet one on one with the child or set up a peer group with a small number of kids diagnosed with ADHD. Peer groups allow children to interact under the supervision of a therapist who can provide feedback on conflict resolution and practicing good social skills. What Else Can I Do? Parent involvement is essential for the combined treatment methods to work. Our team can educate parents on how creating a structured environment will help keep the child on track.
• Daily Routines Set up predictable rituals at home to help your child knowwhat to expect. Hang up a schedule for your child to view, creating a visual for what time he or she iswaking up eachmorning, doing homework, exercising, playing, bathing, eating meals, and going to bed. In the beginning of the treatment plan, it may be best to keep afterschool activities to a minimum to avoid overwhelming the child. Our integrated care team can help you set this up this daily routine schedule after your child’s treatment plan has been created. • Better Sleeping Habits Getting enough sleep each night will help your child stay focused during the day. Bedtimes need to be consistent with a wind-down period beforehand. Consistent daily exercise as prescribed by our movement specialists can helpwith this, as exercisewill allow your child to release his or her energy and welcome sleep at the end of the day. A relaxing bath and/or story before bed may also be good rituals to start, as they can help your child wind down. Avoid screen time before bed since this may make it difficult for the child to become sleepy. • Positive Reinforcement There are several techniques that our team, along with the child’s parents, an employ to alter the child’s negative behavior at home and at school. Onemethod is positive reinforcement. The basis of this technique is to catch the child doing something good and reward the behavior. The reward can be as simple as allowing for extra play time as a result of completing a homework assignment. This type of reward is a win/win, as it allows the child to recognize acceptable behavior and rewards a job well done with physical activity – two things that help tremendously with the treatment of ADHD. Get Your Child Started on a Treatment Plan Today Our integrated care teamcanworkwith you to supply your childwith all the tools that he or she needs to manage ADHD symptoms and thrive. We will help teach your child self-control and confidence, so he or she can learn to succeed independently. Call Fitness for Health today at (301) 231-7138 to learn more.
Some actions you can take at home to promote healthy and positive behavior with your child include:
Your Path to Success Is Here: Call (301) 231-7138 to schedule your appointment today!
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