01/07/2023
ADHD in Elementary Age Children: Positive Reinforcement Strategies-
Positive reinforcement is particularly powerful at this stage of life. When elementary students constantly face punishment and disappointment from parents and teachers, their confidence and self-concept are destroyed. Set a time to discuss undesirable behavior after the immediate, stressful moment has passed. Clear, consistent goals and rewards make a world of difference at this age. Try these strategies:
1. To boost early language skills, align your child’s reading material with their passions and interests
2. Create flashcards using yellow index cards and black ink. This color combination is easily processed by the brain and will trigger memory.
3. Post a big, bright list of classroom or family expectations in a prominent location. For example- place a stop-sign sticker on each student’s desk or a Stop light in your hallway.. The teacher/parent can silently point to this reminder to adjust behavior with minimal interruption or embarrassment.
4. To build organization skills, divide your child’s routines and chores into smaller steps to avoid overwhelming them. Create reminders and guides, like an illustrated timeline of their morning routine or a series of “clean bedroom” checklists (for the closet, dresser, bed). Remember one small goal at a time. Never just say "go clean your room."
5. Identify and avoid your child’s triggers when possible, and use calming strategies when not. Teach your child coping skills, and role-play when and where to use them. Remain calm, validate their feelings, and praise your child’s efforts at emotional control. Encouraging words and high-fives, work great!
ADHD in Elementary Age Children: Treatments-
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends behavioral therapy in conjunction with medication to treat ADHD symptoms in children ages 6 to 12. Behavior therapy reinforces desired behaviors with parenting strategies that focus on consistency, clarity, and incentives.
ADHD in Elementary Age Children: Accommodations/Services-
Children with ADHD, roughly half of whom also have a learning disability, usually benefit from IEPs or 504 Plans that outline classroom accommodations and/or academic services. Behavior intervention plans help some students replace interfering behaviors with appropriate alternative actions.
At Werner Behavioral Health Services, LLC. we are able to guide you through the process of understanding the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan, and which would benefit your child the most. We are also able to assist you in advocating for the accommodations needed for your child.
Sources:
Meg Leahy, MS, NCC, BCC; Anni Layne Rodgers; Nathaly Pesantez
Medically reviewed by Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D.
Updated on April 6, 2022
