ADHD Curriculum for Children
Where theory and childhood meet
Considering the cognitive implications that are associated with learning disabilities, with particular reference to ADHD (attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder) and the adverse effects that they have on children, it is crucial the scope that our ADHD curriculum for children needs to encompass focuses on particular areas that are of vital importance to the cognitive development of the child. Behavioural therapy conceptually includes implementations not only on the child but also workshop training for how parents can contribute the progress of their child as well as interventions within the classroom. This article will aim to discuss the ADHD curriculum that we administer to our kids along with its intricacies in an attempt to help parents establish a better understanding of how ABA implemented by CatchUpKids goes about assisting your children achieve at their best.
Functional, flexible and customised
Applied Behavioural Analysis is conceptually based around the effects of positive reinforcement in increasing the probability of desirable behaviour while minimizing and eventually phasing out undesired behaviours. This form of intervention involves a close analysis of the child’s behaviour in order top establish precursors and antecedents to problematic behaviour to understand the nature of the behaviour and ultimately how to go about teaching the child other ways to achieve the result without the problem behaviour.
Our curriculum holistically addresses executive functioning skills such as; emotional coping strategies, attention maintenance, activity planning, inhibition, problem solving skills, development of social skills and other deficits experienced by children living with learning disabilities. Primarily, this curriculum focuses on empowering children to be independent in achieving excellence in their respective academic spheres.
Other means of treating ADHD include central nervous system stimulants which increase the amounts of dopamine released in the brain they are contrasted by non-stimulant medications that increase the production of norepinephrine in the brain which assist in attention and memory. There are however side effects that present in children that take these alternatives such as regular headaches, sleeping pattern disturbances, weight loss and dehydration. From a therapeutic perspective would be psychotherapy which allows the child an avenue to open up about how they feel living with ADHD and the effects that it has on their lives, this has long term positive effects on the child’s success with ABA as they are aware of the positive changes it will have on their lives.
Why our curriculum is structured in this way
According to research conducted by the Centre for Autism Related Disorder, learning disabilities in children express themselves in unique ways particular to each child. It is due to this reason that we emphasise the importance of understanding the disposition of each child when administering ABA therapy, this allows us to create a custom intervention plan that meets the needs of the specific child in a holistic manner that encompasses all the spheres of the child’s daily life.
By Thembani Mantsena
