Misconceptions

• Though most scientists now agree that ADHD is a neurological disorder, it was previously believed that the poor behavior of children with ADHD was the result of ineffective parenting. New studies using MRI technology have shown that kids with ADHD have differences in brain functioning when compared to kids without ADHD. An effective disciplinary plan will not cure ADHD, but it can help manage the behaviors of a child with ADHD.
  
  

Significance

• Children with ADHD are more likely to participate in high-risk behaviors because of their inclination toward impulsiveness, so a structured discipline program is a safety measure. Consistent discipline can also translate into permanent, positive changes in behaviors. The child's behavior is not only significantly changed at home, but also at school and in social situations. Children also begin to internalize the structure and can self-manage their behaviors, which can improve the quality of their adult lives as well.
  
  

Features

• The largest component of an effective discipline plan is consistency. All people who have charge of the child must use the same approach to discipline, rewards and consequences. According to ADHD behaviorist Dr. Terry Illes, children with ADHD have trouble responding to cues in tone of voice and can be confused by differentiated instruction. "[The child] fails to comply not because he's being defiant," says Dr. Illes, "but because he doesn't realize that what's being said constitutes a command." Experts advise writing down step-by-step daily routines for the child. Post the lists in a visible place and refer to it every day to help the child develop a consistent routine.
  
  

Expert Insight

• Dr. Illes suggests that a combination of reward-based positive reinforcement and age-appropriate consequences is important in reinforcing desirable behavior and discouraging negative behavior. Timeouts should be no longer than the child's age in minutes; therefore, a 12-year-old child would receive a 12-minute timeout. Dr. Illes advises parents to recognize that most bad behavior is often not appropriate just for the time or place it occurs. Teach your child the times and places for the behavior. If your child draws on the walls, dedicate a space in the house for art projects, line the walls with butcher-block paper and keep a steady supply of crayons available.
  
  

Considerations

• If a child is monitored too aggressively, it can be difficult for doctors to track a child's progress.The parents of children with ADHD may also exhibit behavioral problems. Behaviorists offer parent management training to help parents identify and manage their own counter-effective behaviors so they can better parent their child.