ADHD

The topic of this presentation is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD. As many already know, ADHD is a widespread, significant problem found in many children today. In fact, it is estimated that there are more than 2 million children who are afflicted with ADHD. The presentation will provide a scientific and clinical overview of ADHD. Although this presentation is geared toward practicing counseling and therapist professionals, such as clinical psychologists, therapists, and social workers, it is believed that it is important for previous mentioned professionals to have a broader understanding of some of the more commonly used assessment and intervention approaches used by other professionals such as physicians, educators, and behavior analysts who also work with children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD.

The beginning of the presentation covers the disorder more generally, by looking at the traits and tendencies commonly reported in persons with ADHD and its various subtypes. This will include a look at clinical presentation, which often reveals itself in children who are having behavioral difficulties at home and at school. The presentation then provides a more formal diagnostic. Neurological and imaging studies which have established differences in both size and activity levels associated with key parts of the brain in individuals with ADHD are then explored. The presentation then addresses treatment targeting the medical and neurochemical underpinnings by discussing some of the medications commonly used today. The viewer will also become acquainted with special education and the supports available for students with ADHD at school. This will include a description of the assessment process used by school personnel including school psychologists and special education personnel, as well as, how children with ADHD are treated and provided with services within the school system. This will logically include a review of the Individualized Education Program or IEP used to guide special education programming for children with disabilities within the school setting.

As the part of the IEP that directly addresses the challenges of children with ADHD, the presentation will review the use of Behavior Support Plans or BSP's and Behavior Intervention Plans or BIP's. Next, the presentation will examine counseling considerations for both the parents and the child with ADHD, including, but not limited to techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy, talk therapy such as psychodynamic therapy, and play therapies. A summary is provided at the end.