Latest in ADHD Treatment For Children & Adolescents

ADHD is a brain-based disorder that is one of the most widespread mental health disorders affecting children and adolescents in Canada (Center for ADHD Awareness, Canada [CADDAC], 2017).  For individuals with ADHD, seeking treatment is important because untreated ADHD can be associated with school problems (increased risk of school drop-out or under-performance), behaviour problems (at home, at school, with peers), challenges with relationships (relationship challenges with parents, siblings, peers or others), increased risk of teen pregnancy, increased risk of accidents, and increased risk of legal issues, just to name a few. Individuals with untreated ADHD are also at higher risk for depression and relationship problems including peer and intimate relationships. This list is mentioned not to create fear, but is intended to help parents to understand the risks associated with untreated ADHD.

Many parents feel overwhelmed or ill-equipped to figure out what to do when their child or teen is diagnosed with ADHD. Maybe their medical doctor has offered a prescription or maybe they have a report with a variety of recommendations, but they’re unsure where to start or what is most important. At RMPS we walk step-by-step with parents to create and implement a multi-modal treatment plan that is a fit for their child and family.

Because ADHD Research has indicated that there are often differences in the brain structures and brainwaves of people with ADHD as compared to those without (especially in the areas of the brain responsible for executive functioning and decision making), part of the treatment plan will address what can be done to address these physiological issues.  The treatment plan will also address what can be done to help the child’s environment to be more supportive and make it easier to succeed. Finally, counseling can help the family and the child to create habits, routines and implement strategies that will address specific goals to optimize success.

This multi-modal and integrated treatment plan includes cutting-edge, research-supported treatment options in addition to traditional treatment approaches. At RMPS, we work hard to continually update and upgrade our knowledge of new research and approaches to add to our treatment plans in order to benefit our clients and their individual needs. For that reason, we often incorporate neurofeedback and biofeedback technologies as part of many of our treatment plans. With the incorporation of neurofeedback therapy into their treatment plan, our clients have reported the following: 

• Increased sustained concentration and/or attention.
• Reduced susceptibility to distractions.
• Improved listening skills
• Improved organization skills
• Reduction in forgetfulness.
• Reduction in over-activity.
• Reduction in interrupting and excessive talking.
• Reduced impulsive behaviour
• Increased ability to wait for turn
• Improvements in social skills and relationships
• Fewer homework struggles
• Easier transitions from one activity to another
• feeling calmer
• more focus
• being able to complete tasks with less effort or mental resistance
• improved regulation (manage emotions)

 If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD, please contact our office at 403-245-5981 to book a consultation appointment. A clinician will meet with you to discuss goals, treatment plan, whether formal assessment is needed, and the plan for moving forward.