Medications

Medication can help children handle their ADHD symptoms in their everyday life. It can help them control the behaviors that cause issues with family, friends, and school. As the parent/caregiver it’s vital you share your concerns and questions with the child’s doctor so the best decision can be made.

Stimulants: This class of meds “stimulate” networks of nerve cells in the brain to work better with each other. It does this by raising dopamine, which plays a key role in thinking and attention. They are good at decreasing ADHD symptoms for most children.

Nonstimulants: Such meds are used if your child isn’t reacting well to stimulants. Or you as the parent opt for your child to use nonstimulants for other reasons. Each medication works differently, and its effects often take longer.

More Information:

• • ADHD Quick Fats: Medication in ADHD Treatment
  • ADHD Medication Options
  • Time For A Medication Vacation? Consider Possible Benefits

Behavior therapy

ADHD does make it hard for the child to focus, but it can impact bonds with family and other children. This can show up as disruptive responses. Therapy can help find and reduce these actions. Behavior therapy can involve:

• Parent training in behavior management
• Behavior therapy with children
• Behavioral Interventions in the classroom

More Info

• ADHD Quick Facts: Behavior Management in ADHD Treatment

Tips for Parents

As a parent or caregiver, you can help make a home that helps your child’s chance for success.

Learn about ADHD - Some helpful websites are listed on the right portion of this page. Also, as a Health Plan member you can call HealthReach 24/7 Advice Nurse Line 800-655-8294 to listen to ADHD: 1250. To learn more you can visit here.

Get a comprehensive assessment - You can get a medical, educational and psychological evaluation for your child. This helps to consider other common disorders and rule them out.

Don’t waste your emotional energy on self-blame - ADHD is a disorder in certain parts of the brain and is passed down in most cases. Bad parenting or a chaotic home does NOT cause ADHD. Focus on what is working so you have the strength to point out what isn’t.

Ask for help - If you find yourself feeling drained, short tempered, or unhappy seeking help can do good for you and your child. As a Health Plan member you can obtain Behavioral Health Services at 1-888-581-7526 (PLAN) TTY 711. To learn more you can visit here.

Call your school district –

• Stanislaus County of Education 209-238-1700
• San Joaquin County Office of Education 209-468-4800

Know Health Plan member rights - These can be found here

Audio from CHADD ADHD 365 Podcast.