Therapist for ADHD: A Parent’s Guide to Choosing the Right Support for Your Child
If your child has trouble focusing, sitting still, or following instructions, you are not alone. Millions of parents search for a therapist for ADHD every year, hoping to find answers and practical help. At Cadabams CDC, we understand that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can feel overwhelming—for both children and parents. This guide explains when to seek professional support, what therapy involves, and how our specialised team makes the journey smoother.
What Is ADHD and How Does It Affect Children?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These behaviours often appear before age 12 and can impact:
- Academic performance
- Family relationships
- Social skills
- Self-esteem Early intervention with a qualified therapist for ADHD can reduce long-term challenges and set children up for success.
Signs Your Child May Benefit from an ADHD Therapist
Common Behavioural Indicators
- Frequently loses school supplies or forgets homework
- Interrupts conversations or blurts out answers
- Struggles to wait their turn in games or lines
- Fidgets, taps hands or feet, or leaves seat when expected to remain seated
Impact on Daily Life
- Falling grades despite intelligence
- Conflicts with siblings or classmates
- Difficulty completing household chores
- Emotional outbursts over minor frustrations If these patterns persist for six months or more in multiple settings (home, school, social), it’s time to consult a professional.
What Does an ADHD Therapist Do?
A therapist for ADHD is trained to:
- Conduct comprehensive ADHD assessment and diagnosis
- Design personalised behaviour therapy for ADHD
- Teach parents evidence-based ADHD parenting strategies
- Collaborate with schools on classroom accommodations
- Monitor progress and adjust goals as children develop
Types of ADHD Therapy Offered at Cadabams CDC
Behavioural Therapy for ADHD
- Parent Management Training (PMT): Teaches positive reinforcement, clear rules, and consistent consequences.
- Social Skills Training: Role-playing and peer interaction exercises improve cooperation and reduce conflicts.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Helps older children recognise negative thought patterns
- Builds organisational and problem-solving skills
- Reduces anxiety often linked to ADHD
Group Sessions
- Small peer groups led by a licensed therapist
- Focus on sharing experiences and practising self-regulation techniques
The Assessment Process: From First Visit to Treatment Plan
- Initial Consultation Parents meet a Cadabams CDC clinician to discuss developmental history and concerns.
- Standardised Assessments Tools like Conners Rating Scales gather input from parents, teachers, and the child.
- Diagnosis Discussion The therapist explains results, clarifies the diagnosis, and outlines treatment options.
- Goal Setting Together, parents and therapist create measurable objectives—for example, “Finish homework within 45 minutes four nights per week.”
How Parents and Schools Can Collaborate with the Therapist
- Home Strategies: Consistent routines, visual schedules, and reward charts.
- School Collaboration: The therapist drafts a brief letter recommending seating near the teacher or extra time on tests.
- Regular Check-ins: Monthly parent-therapist meetings review academic reports and adjust goals.
Tips for Choosing the Right ADHD Therapist for Your Child
- Verify credentials (licensed clinical psychologist or counsellor).
- Ask about experience with children of similar age and ADHD presentation.
- Confirm availability for school liaison and parent coaching.
- Ensure the clinic offers structured follow-up and outcome tracking—hallmarks of Cadabams CDC’s family-centred approach.
When to Seek Immediate Professional Help
Contact a professional if your child shows:
- Escalating aggression toward peers or siblings
- Self-harm statements or actions
- Persistent refusal to attend school
- Sudden drop in academic performance despite prior stability Early support from a therapist for ADHD can prevent crises and restore stability.
Cost, Insurance, and Session Frequency
- Initial assessment: 60–90 minutes
- Therapy sessions: Weekly 45-minute meetings initially, tapering to bi-weekly as skills improve
- Insurance: Cadabams CDC accepts most major insurers; verify coverage during the first call
How Cadabams CDC Supports Families Throughout the Journey
From the first ADHD assessment and diagnosis to long-term follow-up, our multidisciplinary team offers:
- Child-friendly therapy rooms with sensory tools
- Parent workshops on ADHD management techniques
- 24/7 helpline for urgent questions
- Digital progress tracker accessible on mobile Parents consistently report improved homework completion and reduced family stress within three months of starting therapy.