Adhd Guide

Positive Reinforcement as an ADHD Treatment

There are many parents that no longer want to treat their children's ADHD with only medication.

Parents are beginning to feel that the side effects from these drugs are just not worth it so there is a new trend toward behavior modification through positive reinforcement. With this type of approach you are using a system of rewards for good behavior and the removal of privileges for unacceptable behavior. It is very effective as long as you stay very consistent and it also helps reduce the stress involved with ADHD.

There are many ways to implement this but here is and example of how you can set the plan up. Get a jar and a bunch of pennies and then let the child know exactly how you expect them to behave, and where and when they are to behave this way. When they do behave correctly they will get a penny in their jar. You can make certain behaviors worth more, like behaving in school is worth 10 cents. Here is a list of rules that you might have for each day:

• You must get up and be ready, on time, for school. Worth 20 cents • You must behave in school and not talk when the teacher is talking. Worth 20 cents • You must keep your hands to yourself when you are on the bus. Worth 20 cents • When you get home from school you need to get a snack and start your homework. Worth 20 cents • You may not put your hands on your siblings. Worth 20 cents

That is just a few of the rules you may want to include. With the pennies they earn you can let them "buy" a reward of their choice, for instance they can get an extra half hour of TV for 30 cents, or they can save their rewards and accumulate enough to have a friend come over on the weekend. This is a good example of how positive reinforcement can improve the behavior of your child.

The most important part of this plan is consistency. You must stick with the plan everyday and not let the child slide on their behavior. The consequences for bad behavior must be made clear up front and be carried out swiftly. If the child hits a sibling, without yelling just get up and take away the pennies that need to be removed. There is no need to argue or negotiate, once the rules are in place just stick to them.

Many experts also feel that positive reinforcement techniques are a great way to help the child learn how to interact properly with other people. It is also a great stress reliever for the parents because you know longer have to fight and argue with the child. When the child misbehaves you simple take away a coin or sticker, what every you have decide to use and that is the end of it, after a few times of losing their rewards the child will take the hint and correct the behavior on their own.