Jayden, an 8-year-old boy with ADHD

Meet Jayden, a fictional 8-year-old boy with ADHD

Jayden, an 8-year-old boy brimming with boundless energy and a vivid imagination, finds his world coming alive through Lego bricks and heroic escapades. He can spend hours meticulously constructing elaborate Lego castles, spaceships, and vehicles, demonstrating a remarkable level of focus and creativity. His imagination soars as he enacts elaborate superhero adventures, complete with sound effects and dramatic dialogue, showcasing his ability to immerse himself completely in his passions.

However, Jayden's ability to focus and engage is highly selective. He has been diagnosed with ADHD-Inattentive Type, which presents significant challenges in academic settings. His mind frequently wanders during tasks that don't immediately capture his interest, leading to difficulties with attention and follow-through.

In the classroom, Jayden often appears to be present physically but mentally absent. He stares out the window, lost in daydreams about his latest Lego creation or a superhero storyline he's developing. His teachers notice that while he seems to be listening, he frequently misses key instructions, resulting in incomplete or inaccurate work. He struggles to maintain focus during lessons, especially those that involve lengthy explanations or abstract concepts.

At home, homework time is a battleground. Jayden gets easily distracted by his thoughts, the sounds of his siblings playing, or the sight of his Lego creations beckoning from his bedroom. His parents frequently remind him to "stay on task," but he often doesn't realize when his mind has drifted. Even when he tries to concentrate, he struggles to sustain attention long enough to complete assignments without constant redirection. This makes homework a time-consuming and frustrating experience for both Jayden and his parents.

Jayden's inattentiveness also affects his ability to follow multi-step instructions and complete chores. He often forgets what he was supposed to do or gets sidetracked before finishing the task. This can lead to frustration and conflict within the family.

Areas for Intervention

Behavioral Therapy:

Implement strategies for improving attention and focus, such as positive reinforcement and token systems.Teach Jayden techniques for self-monitoring and self-regulation. Develop strategies for managing distractions and staying on task.Implement strategies for breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.

Executive Function Training:

Help Jayden develop time management and organizational skills.Teach him how to prioritize tasks and break down large assignments.Implement strategies for improving working memory and planning skills.

Parent Training:

Teach parents effective strategies for managing Jayden's ADHD symptoms at home.Provide guidance on establishing consistent routines and expectations.Teach parents how to use positive reinforcement and effective communication techniques.Help parents create a structured and supportive home environment.

Hobby Incorporation:

Help Jayden to connect his hobbies to his schoolwork. For example, he could build a Lego® model of a historical building or write a superhero story that incorporates concepts from science class.