Early Childhood Development for ADHD | Cadabams Child Development Center
Every parent hopes their child’s early years are filled with curiosity and joy. When signs of early-childhood-development-for-adhd appear—such as constant motion, impulsive grabbing, or difficulty following simple instructions—families often worry about what comes next. At Cadabams CDC, we believe that starting help before age six can transform the ADHD journey from stress into steady progress. This guide walks you through the evidence-based steps we use to nurture your child’s strengths, build essential skills, and prepare the entire family for school success.
Why Early Childhood Development Matters for ADHD
How ADHD Affects Preschoolers’ Developmental Milestones
Preschoolers with ADHD commonly miss or delay key milestones:
- Language: Difficulty staying on topic, limited story-telling
- Social: Trouble taking turns, interrupting peers
- Motor: Excessive climbing, bumping into furniture
- Self-help: Trouble sitting through meals, inconsistent toilet routines These gaps can widen quickly; however, neuroplasticity is highest before age six, making early action critical.
Benefits of Starting Intervention Before Age 6
Research shows children who receive structured therapy for ADHD before kindergarten:
- Score 2–3× higher on executive-function tests
- Show 40 % fewer classroom removals in Grade 1
- Experience stronger parent–child attachment compared with wait-listed peers
Comprehensive Screening & Assessment
We begin with a 360-degree view of your child.
Developmental Milestone Checklists
- Fine- and gross-motor trackers
- Expressive-receptive language norms
- Social-emotional red-flag lists
Behavioral Observation in Classroom & Home Settings
Our clinicians conduct:
- Natural-play observations (30–45 minutes)
- Video reviews with parents to highlight triggers and strengths
- Quiet-room tasks for focused attention span measurement
Evidence-Based Intervention Programs
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
PCIT teaches caregivers real-time coaching skills:
- PRIDE skills: Praise, Reflect, Imitate, Describe, Enjoy
- Reduces disruptive behavior by 60 % in 12–14 sessions
Early Learner ABA & Play-Based ABA
Applied Behavior Analysis is adapted for younger minds:
- Natural Environment Teaching in toy areas
- Token boards shaped like animals for motivation
- Targets self-regulation and pre-academic behaviors (sitting, group response)
Social-Emotional & Executive-Function Skills Groups
Small pods of 3–5 children:
- Circle-time games to practice turn-taking
- “Stop–Think–Act” story cards to build impulse control
- Weekly parent handouts for adhd-preschool-strategies at home
Parent & Caregiver Training
Weekly Coaching on Positive Behavior Support
Each Tuesday evening, parents join 45-minute Zoom or in-person parenting workshops for ADHD:
- Review video clips of home routines
- Troubleshoot tantrum triggers
- Leave with a single, measurable goal (e.g., “Three-step bedtime routine”)
Home Routine Toolkits & Visual Schedules
Downloadable kits include:
- Morning routine pictures (wake-up, brush, dress, breakfast)
- “First–Then” boards for less-preferred tasks
- Laminated weekly planner with Velcro icons
Tele-Consultation Support
Can’t make it to the center? Our clinicians offer:
- 30-minute live chats during meltdowns
- Quick text responses within two business hours
- Secure parent portal for uploading short videos for feedback
Progress Tracking & Transition Planning
Quarterly Developmental Reports
Every 12 weeks, parents receive a 3-page snapshot:
- Graph of attention span minutes
- Language sample growth
- Social initiations with peers
School Readiness Evaluations
Six months before kindergarten, we test:
- Phonemic awareness (rhyming, syllable clapping)
- Pre-writing strokes (lines, circles)
- Classroom rule following in a mock setting
Individualized Transition Plans (Pre-K to Kindergarten)
Plans include:
- Recommended classroom seating
- Accommodations list for new teachers
- Emergency calm-down kit contents (noise-reducing headphones, squeeze ball)