She can’t sit still in class. He doesn’t seem to listen to the teacher. They keep forgetting their homework and they’re so unorganized! Have you ever heard this type of feedback from your child or teen’s teacher? How about from their friends? Or maybe you’ve noticed it yourself at home? While it’s developmentally expected for children to be fidgety, distracted, and forgetful, there are times when these types of behaviors can really impede their learning and engagement with others.
ADHD in Children
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a medical condition that makes it difficult for someone to control their attentiveness, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity. According to the DSM-V, the prevalence of ADHD among children is roughly 5%.1 Sometimes the behaviors can be misunderstood as defiance or disrespect, when in reality there’s nothing intentionally oppositional about it. ADHD can be a frustrating experience for not only teachers and parents, but especially for your child or teen. It can cause issues at school, in extracurricular activities, at work, and in relationships with others. If left untreated, ADHD can develop into persistent patterns that continue into their adult years and may impact their self-esteem.
ADHD may present as:
- Difficulty completing homework, tasks, or chores and may make careless mistakes
- Giving up or avoiding projects, tasks, or activities that are challenging
- Becomes easily sidetracked during assignments, tasks, or activities
- Struggles with organizational skills and time management
- Misplaces items or has a difficult time keeping track of belongings
- Appears as though they are not listening; Observed daydreaming during school
- Fidgeting with hands or feet
- Squirming and unable to stay seated for long periods of time at school, home, or in office settings
- Excessive talking and may at times interrupt others
- Irritability, loses patience, struggles with taking turns
If any of the above describes what your child or teen is experiencing, counseling and neurofeedback may be beneficial. In counseling, your child or teen is afforded a confidential space to speak freely, process their feelings, and learn new behaviors. In neurofeedback a children’s brain learns how to engage in new way as that feedback teaches it to self-regulate and correct a specific activity.
How ADHD Counseling Helps Kids with ADHD
Children and young people are often looking for someone to understand and just listen, which is what our professional counselors can provide. Through a safe and non-judgmental approach, the interfering behaviors of ADHD can be identified and addressed. We can help your child or adolescent develop coping skills for their ADHD and learn how to embrace their inherent strengths and value.
If you believe your child or teen is struggling with symptoms of ADHD and needs support, our affiliated professional counselors are here to help. They practice child-friendly evidence-based techniques such as play, art, and sandtray in their therapy. They may also utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Neurotherapy and Solution-Focused approaches. Give our office a call today and let’s schedule a time to talk.
1Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition)
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Counseling Help Children With ADHD?
Counseling gives your child a safe place to name feelings, learn focus tools, and build confidence. Through play, art, sandtray, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, the counselor teaches attention, self-control, and organizational skills. You’ll also receive parent coaching to ensure everyone uses the same strategies at home, at school, and during activities.
How Does Coaching Help Children with ADHD?
Coaching gives your child an opportunity to build strategies and techniques while gaining insight into the superpower of ADHD. Through education for the child(ren) and caregivers our coach provides insight into the accommodations that can not only benefit the family at home, but at school and other environments too.
Do Kids With ADHD Always Need Medication?
Not always. Many children thrive with behavior therapy, parent support, classroom accommodations, and skill-building exercises. Medication helps some kids, but it’s only one tool. Our counselors and/or coach will review progress and, working with you and your child’s pediatrician, decide together if medicine management should be part of the plan.
What Is the 30 Percent Rule in ADHD?
The 30 percent rule says executive skills—planning, self-control, and time management—often run about 30 percent behind a child’s age. For example, a ten-year-old with ADHD may have self-management skills similar to a typical seven-year-old. Understanding this gap helps you set realistic goals and give the right support.
What’s the 2-Minute Rule and How Can It Help?
The 2-minute rule says you either complete tasks that take two minutes or less right away or agree to work on a bigger task for just two minutes. These quick wins give the brain a small dopamine boost, reduce procrastination, and make it easier for kids with ADHD to get started.
How Many Counseling or Coaching Sessions Will My Child Need?
Every child is unique, but most families start with weekly sessions for eight to twelve weeks. You’ll review progress with the counselor and/or coach and adjust the schedule as needed. Some children move to bi-weekly then monthly check-ins once skills stick, while others continue longer for added support.