ADHD Center
Hakshiva believes
all children can
be successful
ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurobiological based disorder with a broad definition which can present differently in every child. While some children with ADHD may appear loud or with excessive emotional responses, others may seem spacey and introverted. Often it may be confusing and difficult to understand the child’s ADHD, especially since the child may display excellent abilities and skills when performing certain tasks (e.g., those that interest them), and a lack of motivation when performing others. This gap between the child’s potential and performance can be very frustrating for parents, teachers and the child, often labeling the child as “lazy” or “spoiled”. The reason for these discrepancies lies in the different brain function of children with ADHD, which affects the system responsible for executive functioning.
Executive functions are various cognitive skills which are necessary for goal- directed thought and action, enabling optimal function (e.g., planning, initiating, remembering, emotional and behavioral control). These executive functioning challenges of children with ADHD can present in a variety of situations and activities, for example: difficulty “getting started” in the morning and getting ready on time, organization, forgetfulness, difficulty sitting quietly and maintaining social relationships. These difficulties can be very frustrating and affect all members of the household, as well as teachers, and the child himself.
Recognizing the prevalence of this disorder, and how it affects so many youths well into their adulthood, we are working on opening an ADHD clinic in the near future, one which will also serve teens and young adults. Meanwhile, we started with the Cog-Fun Therapy program described below.
Cog-Fun
Therapy
The Cog-Fun (Cognitive-Functional) intervention for children is a unique treatment approach, developed for children ages 5-10 with ADHD, targeting the executive functioning difficulties of children with ADHD.
The Cog-Fun intervention for children is intended to enable the child and parents to better understand the characteristics of his or her ADHD- strengths and limitations. This understanding can guide the child and parents in learning strategies that help the child function in different environments (home, school, social) and develop a sense of sense of self-efficacy and empowerment while bridging the gap between the child’s potential and performance.
In addition to learning strategies, the process of intervention includes other treatment approaches, for example understanding the environment in which the child is functioning and exploring which adaptations can promote the goals that are important to the child and parents.
Because ADHD affects not only on the child, but the entire home environment, this intervention is family centered- parents are a necessary part of the process and are active participants throughout the intervention.
The treatment framework: The Cog-fun intervention is done in a fun and playful setting. This intervention includes approximately 17 weekly, 45 minute treatment sessions with the child and parent/s, as well as a number of sessions with the parents without the child present. During these sessions, which are done in a fun and playful setting, the child and parents develop a joint “executive language” as they discover strategies and adaptions to improve the child’s daily functioning in a variety of settings (home, school etc.), while empowering the child and improving the quality of life of both the child and his/her family.
Relieved a tremendous amount of stress
The homework center not only made it easier for my daughter to do well in school it also gave her the confidence in recognizing she can succeed academically. It now takes her less time to do homework and she is much more comfortable with it. This has relieved a tremendous amount of stress that permeated our home at homework time. Thanks for everything you have done for my daughter, for me and our whole family!
S.G, parent of a mentee
