This module is all about the treatment of ADHD. lets face it, if we have an ADHD family, we are desperate for help on the treatment side. We might even have spent hours upon hours researching the many promises of curing ADHD but as Dave Pughe-Parry rightly reminds us, there is no cure.
BUT....
We can treat ADHD !!
Dave has used the multi-disciplinary approach to treating ADHD which he explains using a wheel.
Dave places his treatment wheel firmly on the foundation of unconditional love. The very act of loving our ADHD children ( and of course all our children) says that we love them but not the behaviour. that we take time out to praise the child's efforts. That we set real and inspiring goals for them and not unrealistic mountains of" what can you do next time " - thus squashing the life out of the ADHD child bu the overwhelming and unattainable. This was very compelling for me as a mom of 3 ADHD children and a husband who is ADHD.
The treatment wheel includes 8 areas which can support and grow the ADHD child and indeed adults.
Dave stresses that these areas , when used simultaneously, hold the best outcome for the child or adult.
Calm, thoughtful research is essential, according to Dave, and I would agree with this outlook. It is a good idea , when faced with the ADHD diagnoses, to keep a level head.
The Multi-Disciplinary approach in this module are very helpful indeed.
These include both tried and tested treatments and those that work for all ADHD people as well as some what things work for some folks. Dave also includes the new treatments.
I love that he speaks of treatment rather than a cure. It makes no sense to me to try and " cure" rather than treat it, especially when such good and helpful treatment exists.
The big message in this module follows the thinking that it is helpful and works best for the ADHD child, when a number of treatments are used together rather than just one. Dave emphasises the point that there is no cure and / or no magic one treatment that "fixes" everything for the child. I think this is spot on.
Our ADHD children both take medication to manage their impulsivity and then, especially the one, uses excercise and sport as a great way to help him manage his restlessness and energy levels. We have used OT. Pragmatic life style and family involvment are really key for us. How we ALL interact with the child when he struggles with his ADHD is so important.
The effective managment system includes the following......
1. medication
2. exercises
3. coaching
4. focus on the persons strengths
5. track record of success
6.OT - sensory imput lessening
7. pragmatic life style - diet / sleep
8. family involvment
The module goes into depth on each of these points of a whole treatment of a child who is ADHD.
The indepth information on each of these is very helpful and informative. It really gets one thinking. I was challeneged by the sensory imput section. Our ADHD children both have hectic sensory issues and struggle with clothing, teeth, food , noise, large groups etc.
Do ADHD people ALL have low self esteem as Dave suggests? Another thought provoking point.
I was pleased to see that Dave called ADHD a family affair. I have always called us an ADHD family. ADHD does effect ALL of us and including the broader family. They do not always understand the ADHD child and react in strange and unhelpful ways towards them. It is extrmemely helpful having the extended family on the same page.
Excercise - not all types of excercise help ADHD children. Dave gives a very helpful list to choose from.
Team sport might not be successful all ADHD children. We have found that hockey, squash and tennis have been winners for our teen but for out younger child, we are still trying to discover the sport that speaks to him. The tricky thing is the waiting and being bored in learning of a sport that needs to be negotiated!!
Thanks for a very helpful module!!
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