Russell Barkley’s
12 Core Principles for Managing ADHD
Bridge time
Externalise time limits with time schedules
Immediacy of consequences
Use feedback and consequences as quickly as possible following the desirable or undesirable behaviour
Frequency of consequences
ADHD children require feedback and consequences much more often than normal children
Intensity of consequences
ADHD children need higher magnitude consequences than normal children
Change rewards periodically
Prevents boredom
“act don’t yak”
ADHD is not due to a failure of knowledge or reasoning. Use feedback, rewards, and punishments swiftly and often
Use positives before negatives
Set up a reward program to encourage desired behaviours.
Anticipate problems
ADHD children often have trouble in the same situations over repeated occasions. Set up a plan to manage the problem before it occurs
Keep a disability perspective
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a strong hereditary predisposition. The disability occurs in a way that they regulate their behaviour. Although they don’t appear disabled, they are neurologically impaired
Maintain a sense of priorities
Don’t engage in conflicts with the child over trivial, minor rule violations
Don’t personalise the child’s problems
Maintain a sense of humour, your methods and programs will not work all the time
Practice forgiveness
For your child, others and yourself for the mistakes that are likely going to happen in managing an ADHD child.
DISCLAIMER: Information provided here shall not be considered as a substitute for medical care, therapy and/or advice of a medical practitioner. ALWAYS seek medical advice and treatment from a medical practitioner.