How You Can Help Your Child at Home If They Have ADHD

The first line of treatment for a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder is always seeking the help of a qualified physician or therapist. In addition to following the prescribed treatment plan, parents can help their child with ADHD maximize their comfort level and productivity at home by following these few simple suggestions:

Timing There are probably many things you want your ADHD child to do in a day–homework, chores, reading and playing — but he or she just can’t seem to focus enough to do them. Part of the problem may be timing. You may want your child to do his or her homework as soon as he or she gets home because you want to make sure it’s done, but perhaps your child needs a break from school work before working on homework. Other children may find it best to do his or her homework first, since the information is still fresh in his or her mind. If your child is having difficulty getting something done, try rearranging your child’s schedule to better fit his or her needs.

Create Specific Places for Activities Just like you have a place for all the objects in the house, there should also be a place for all the activities in the house. You probably already have a table where you eat meals, an area for paying the bills, and a favorite chair for reading or watching TV. Your child should have the same sort of order to his or her activities, as well. Set up an “office” for your child to do homework in. Ask about his or her preferences, it may be a desk in their room, a corner with a shelf and a bean-bag chair, or standing up at the dining room table. Make sure it is a well organized space with a cup for pens and pencils, a place for paper and books, and something to organize old work. It may also be helpful to have a play area, reading area, and eating place. The more structure, the better! Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder kids need it!

Establish an Escape Place It is also very helpful to have an escape or time-out place, especially if your ADHD child is impulsive. Allow your child to go there when they are going to have an outburst. Provide him/her with a punching bag or pillows to hit or throw around. This way, your child can vent his or her frustrations without injuring themselves, other people or objects. Your child’s room may be a good escape place, except that often it feels like a rejection place because he or she may feel that his or her room is a punishment place. If this is the case, set up another space to be an escape place.

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You have questions... We have answers
  • Q: I read on the website that these schools offer family therapy, but how does that happen when the school is so far away?
    A:

    You will participate in the family therapy by phone, and when you come for your family visits, you will then do face to face family therapy.

  • Q: Why are most of these programs in Utah?
    A:

    The original Residential Treatment Center was opened in Utah, and they have been improving their system ever since. There is an entire state agency devoted to overseeing and regulating these programs. The other reason is that in Utah, the legal age is 18, so you can force your child to get treatment until they are 18. Legal age varies by state but there are an increasingly high number of states where the legal age is 17 even if you are still financially and physically responsible for them until they are 18.

    As long as your child is under the age of 18 and you have custody of your child, then your child does not have to go willingly. You can force them to go against their will for their benefit.

  • Q: If my child won't go willingly, how do I get them there?
    A:

    There are teen transport companies we contract with that are highly trained and they will come to your home and pick up your child. There job is to escort your child there safely! This takes away the worry and the fighting. There is an additional fee for this service.

  • Q: Does insurance cover the cost of treatment or boarding?
    A:

    Insurance plans vary so much that there is not a solid answer. You can find out what your coverage is by calling them directly and asking about your in-patient mental health benefits. In order for coverage, it has to be medically necessary, based on diagnosis and most insurance companies require a pre-authorization.