It’s a beautiful and inspiring proverb with roots in ancient Africa.

“It takes a village to raise a child” tells us that no mother, father or family is an island, and children are raised with the help and support of a “village” of people.

Who’s in your village? It could be anyone: members of your extended family, grand parents, teachers, coaches, baby sitters, a neighbor – even the police officer who helps your child safely cross the road.

But, if you’re the parent of an ADHD child, you might find your “village” is somewhat less populated. Some who would otherwise offer help and support might be hesitant to do so because of a lack of understanding and the undeserved stigma that surrounds ADHD.

It can leave you feeling alone.

But, at least as much as anyone else, ADHD children need a supportive community to help them manage and conquer their symptoms. And a recent study shows just how important it is to have that community.

Collaborative Care Helps ADHD Treatment

The journal “Pediatrics” recently published a study that looked at a “collaborative care” approach to ADHD treatment. The study’s participants, who were being evaluated for ADHD and not already diagnosed with the condition, were split into two groups. The first group received treatment using the typical pediatrician-centred model. The second group received “enhanced” care that included a care manager.

Care managers helped with everything from paperwork, like medical histories and symptom reports, to being a “go between” for parents and pediatricians.

Each care manager received training in “motivational interviewing” to connect with children and parents, and to offer strategies to help manage difficult behaviours.

The Results? Following the year-long study, children were assessed for hyper activity and impulsivity, oppositionality and social skills. The group of families who worked with a care manager saw significantly more improvement in all three areas versus the group who did not have the extra support.

So, if you’re the parent of an ADHD child and feel alone, do your child – and yourself – a big favour. Take action. Populate your village with people who can offer support, care and helpful solutions that will produce better results.

Give your ADHD children the support they deserve. Maxi Mind coaches are skilled and experienced in working with young people. They are certified Special Educational Assistants and Neuroeducational Therapists. And they know how to offer your child a powerful, safe, effective and drug-free approach to control or even eliminate ADHD symptoms. Call Maxi Mind Learning Centres at 416-858-9868 today for a free initial consultation. A Maxi Mind solution can be customized to suit your child’s needs and your family’s budget.

Source:
http://www.additudemag.com/adhdblogs/19/11252.html