| ADHD kids who suffer from behaviour disorders | | | | and special arrangements under the 504 Plan or |
| need structures, routines and schedules as part of | | | | the IEP. If your child has a behaviour disorder |
| a bigger plan which usually forms the basis of | | | | such as ADHD, this comes under the right of |
| ADHD behaviour therapy. Homework is just one | | | | every child to have the best educational facilities |
| example where this can work quite well. Let me | | | | possible when there is a disability. |
| give you an example. | | | | Some parents find that drawing up a homework |
| The homework battle with ADHD kids and teens | | | | contract with their ADHD child can be really |
| can sometimes be a tough one because the | | | | beneficial. The teenager likes doing this because he |
| parents often lose. But it need not be like that. | | | | can put in all his pet hates that really irk him when |
| Here are two things you can do if homework is | | | | the parent starts nagging him about the |
| not being done. If your child has no interest in | | | | homework. The parent will probably put in a |
| homework, he or she can be tempted with | | | | clause about not doing homework with an attitude |
| certain rewards. In this way there is positive | | | | ! This fits in very well with ADHD behavior |
| reinforcement for good behaviour rather than | | | | therapy because it stresses making the child |
| taking away privileges for homework not done. | | | | accountable for certain behaviors. Naturally a |
| Secondly, if you cannot keep track of the | | | | rewards/privileges and consequences system is |
| homework being set because your child does not | | | | built into the contract. Depending on the age of |
| write it down, try to get the teacher to email it | | | | the child, there can be negotiation on computer, |
| to you. | | | | phone and TV time and use but there has to be |
| This may mean a visit to the school so that you | | | | a bottom line too. |
| can ask for this. If there is a resource teacher, | | | | The homework battle is just one area where |
| they should be looking after that because | | | | ADHD behaviour therapy can really help you and |
| sometimes the classroom teachers just cannot | | | | your child. Other behaviour disorders such as ODD |
| keep up with everything. Some kids have a buddy | | | | (Oppositional Defiance Disorder) also benefit from |
| who is there to see that he does not forget all | | | | this kind of therapy and the National Institute of |
| the books and things he needs. Thirdly you can | | | | Mental Health now favours a combination therapy |
| find out what facilities they have for ADHD kids | | | | which includes some medication and therapy. |