How Can Parent and Teacher Training Best Help Children with ADHD?

What you need to know

• Individual training sessions tend to be more effective than group sessions for improving ADHD symptoms
• Teaching parents and teachers how to use appropriate consequences for behavior is key for managing behavioral problems
• Too much focus on ADHD education may reduce the effectiveness of behavioral training programs

The Challenge of Supporting Children with ADHD

Parenting or teaching a child with ADHD can feel like navigating through constantly choppy waters. While medication can help many children, behavioral training for parents and teachers remains a crucial support strategy. But not all training programs are created equal - some approaches work better than others. Understanding which components of these programs actually help children improve is essential for developing more effective support strategies.

What the Research Examined

This study analyzed 32 different research trials involving over 2,500 children with ADHD. The researchers looked specifically at different components of parent and teacher training programs to determine which elements were most effective at improving children’s behavior and ADHD symptoms. They examined factors like how the training was delivered (individual vs. group), what specific techniques were taught, and how much time was spent on different components.

Key Findings

The research revealed several important insights about what makes behavioral training programs most effective:

1. Individual sessions produced better results than group training for improving ADHD symptoms, particularly for attention and hyperactivity issues.

2. Teaching parents and teachers how to use appropriate consequences for behavior (like planned ignoring of minor misbehavior or removing privileges) led to better outcomes in managing behavioral problems.

3. Surprisingly, spending too much time on ADHD education actually reduced the effectiveness of the programs. While some education is important, excessive focus on explaining ADHD may take away from time better spent practicing specific management techniques.

The Role of Consequences in Behavior Management

One of the study’s most significant findings was that teaching parents and teachers how to use appropriate consequences led to better outcomes. These consequences don’t mean harsh punishment - rather, they involve consistent, appropriate responses to both positive and negative behaviors. This might include:

• Planned ignoring of minor misbehaviors
• Removing privileges when needed
• Using natural consequences
• Providing immediate feedback
• Using clear and consistent correction techniques

What This Means for You

If you’re a parent or teacher working with a child with ADHD, these findings suggest several practical approaches:

1. Consider seeking individual training rather than group sessions if possible, as this tends to be more effective.

2. Focus on learning and practicing specific behavioral management techniques rather than spending too much time on general ADHD education.

3. Work with professionals to develop appropriate consequence strategies that are consistent and effective.

4. Remember that negative consequences should always be balanced with positive reinforcement and relationship-building strategies.

Conclusions

• Behavioral training programs can be effective tools for helping children with ADHD, but their success depends on how they’re structured and delivered.

• Individual sessions tend to be more effective than group training, likely because they can be better tailored to specific needs.

• While understanding ADHD is important, too much focus on education can reduce program effectiveness - the emphasis should be on practical management strategies.