Welcome!
Who is the program for?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobiological developmental disorder that is well researched and has many treatment options; both pharmacological and psychosocial.
This program aims to support the adaptation of the ADHD child/youth’s environment from a psychosocial perspective with education and strategies. The program was originally designed for caregivers and made self-directed to increase accessibility and resources for the ADHD Community in Vancouver.
This 7 module education program will increase your ability to support a child or youth with ADHD and expand your knowledge of this diagnosis.
How to access the course?
Email adhd@vch.ca to gain access to register. A curated link will be sent to you to complete the 7 week education program which includes 30 strategies, additional online resources and a certificate of completion.
Introduction
The ADHD Program is an evidenced-based psychoeducation program through Child and Youth Mental Health services with the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority.
ADHD is one of the most common childhood psychiatric disorders and with a lot of research around treatment options. Parent and teacher psychoeducation programs are one of those interventions that have shown to make a great impact on the child or teen with ADHD. Our program is based off of Dr. Russell Barkley’s research and is designed to foster a greater understanding of the diagnosis, increase emotional well-being in both the care provider and the youth, strengthen relationships within the child’s community, and offers support in understanding and modifying behaviours. Since we know that parent psychoeducation groups are so important for the treatment of ADHD. The program offers two paths to accessing information.
First option
is a psychoeducation group which meets 2 hours a week for parents of children or teenagers with ADHD. This is an opportunity for you to gain access to the information, have support from a mental health clinician and connect with other parents for 8 consecutive weeks.
Second option
is a 7 module online program that covers similar content with dynamic images and interactive activities. Each module will take approximately take 2 hours to complete and come with around 30 strategies that you can try with the child or adolescent with ADHD. If you are interested in learning more or registering for our program. Please email adhd@vch.ca. We look forward to having you join our program.
Module 1 - ADHD 101
- Provide an introduction to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Explain the diagnosis of ADHD, prevalence, common features, co-existing conditions and impacts across the lifespan
- Discuss evidence-based best practices and treatment options
Module 2 - Executive Function
- Introduction to Dr. Russell Barkley’s theory of ADHD
- Explain why ADHD often impacts behaviour, learning, emotional regulation, and social skills
- Strategies to strengthen executive function deficits in children and youth with ADHD
Module 3 - Emotion Regulation & Parenting
- Discuss the stress response system and physiological arousal
- Learn strategies to manage emotional responses and support children’s own self-regulation
- Talk about parenting styles and ways to set the stage for communication
Module 4 - Communication
- Learn/Review attachment theory and empathy in supporting the child’s navigation through this world
- Define and practice different strategies and methods to strengthen communication with our children and validate their feelings.
Module 5 - Behaviours & Proactive Parenting
- Identify the role of behaviours and functions of challenging behaviour
- Explore the ABC’s of behaviour and how to change a behaviour over time
- Understand what triggers the behaviour and function of behaviour.
- Utilize additional strategies developed by Dr. Ross Greene (i.e. Three Basket Technique) to help prioritize problem behaviours and select appropriate parenting strategies
- Explore additional strategies that can be helpful in the home
Module 6 - Consequences
- Review ABC’s of Behaviour and explore applying it to the child’s behaviour you want to change
- Introduction to how parenting a child with ADHD is different and the importance of artificial consequences
- Practice techniques for reducing negative and inappropriate behaviour
- Build a behaviour plan to implement in the child’s environment
Module 7 - School
- Discuss common socio-emotional, behavioural, and academic needs of students with ADHD
- Identify strategies and adaptations to assist students with ADHD in the classroom
- Learn strategies and recommendations when advocating for a child with ADHD