Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

ADHD Medication

Decisions regarding the use of medications in children are complex and are best made in consultation with a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

ADHD medications are commonly indicated for treatment.
They are effective and can be considered at any stage of the disorder, even before psychotherapy.
When combined with therapy, medications can enhance benefits by helping the child focus and learn more effectively.

Dr. Hui Jiang's ADHD Webinars

#1 了解ADHD：家长必知的诊断与评估流程

Understanding ADHD: Diagnostic and Assessment Process

#2 基于评估数据的ADHD干预策略

ADHD Intervention Strategies Based on Data

Executive Functioning Strategies

Executive functioning refers to the ability to organize and manage one's own behavior. The following interventions and strategies can enhance various executive skills.

Tools and Apps

MotivAider: A device that vibrates periodically, reminding users to stay focused or work on a habit.
Randominder: An app that helps users stay focused and complete tasks on time.
Time Timer: A visual timer that shows the passage of time using a disappearing red disk. Available as watches, clocks, or apps.
WatchMinder: A wristwatch that provides discrete vibrating cues and reminders throughout the day.
Daily Routine App: Assists in creating and sticking to daily routines.
30/30 App: A task manager app for scheduling tasks.

Maintaining Attention

Provide frequent, short breaks (1–2 minutes) for activities like walking, running errands, or simple physical exercises (e.g., wall push-ups, jumping jacks).
Teach chunking to group information into manageable sets for better retention.
Incorporate hands-on learning opportunities to maintain engagement.
Switch tasks frequently to avoid draining attention.
Reduce environmental distractions or provide a privacy board when necessary.
Use a written checklist to outline task steps for memory support.
Encourage self-awareness by using external cues to focus on expected behaviors.

Processing Speed

Use activities like timing task completion to increase production speed.
Record start and stop times for assignments and monitor homework volume.

Monitoring

Incorporate editing and reviewing into every task to improve error recognition and correction.
Set goals for accuracy over speed and reward for accurate work.
Use self-assessment techniques to increase awareness of strengths and weaknesses, such as predicting and comparing task outcomes to actual results.
Create a performance or behavior chart for visual tracking.

Initiation

Provide external prompts at the start of tasks, such as a teacher's guidance or peer modeling.
Work in pairs or small groups to encourage task initiation.
Break down tasks into smaller, structured steps to reduce overwhelm.

Inhibition

Offer a structured environment with clear rules and expectations, reviewed regularly.
Teach response delay techniques, like counting to five before responding.
Use "stop and think" methods to help inhibit impulsive actions and consider consequences.

Organization and Planning

Use organizational systems like daily planners or checklists for required materials.
Review checklists daily (e.g., before leaving for school or at the end of the school day).
Keep an extra set of materials at home to ensure readiness for assignments.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Use visual organizers (e.g., schedules, planners) to prepare for daily activities and alert to schedule changes.
Adjust routines gradually in small steps to maintain predictability and reduce distress.
Provide a 2-minute warning before transitioning between activities.
Set time limits for tasks, alternating with different activities to ease transitions. Use a timer to support this adjustment.