I Need This Completed On 01/26/21 By 7 P.m. Please No Plagia

I Need This Completed On 012621 By 7pmplease No Plagiarism And Make

I Need This Completed On 012621 By 7pmplease No Plagiarism And Make

Develop a professional mini script that a counselor would use to discuss a recent ADHD diagnosis with the parents of a 10-year-old girl, Tonya. The script should address the parents' concerns about medication, provide two potential questions to clarify Tonya’s diagnosis, explain the role of behavioral counseling alongside medication treatment, and discuss the potential short-term and long-term consequences of untreated ADHD. Include an empathetic reflection of Tonya’s parents. Support all claims with scholarly references from peer-reviewed sources, particularly Sinacola, R. S., Peters-Strickland, T., & Wyner, J. D. (2020), and relevant current guidelines and research regarding ADHD treatment in children and adolescents. The discussion should be approximately 1000 words and follow APA formatting standards.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed in childhood, characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity (Wolraich et al., 2011). The management of ADHD often involves a combination of behavioral interventions and medication. As a mental health professional, engaging with parents empathetically and informatively is crucial for facilitating understanding and effective treatment planning. In this mini script, I will exemplify how a counselor might address Tonya’s parents regarding her recent diagnosis, their concerns about medication, and the importance of a comprehensive treatment approach.

Mini Script for Counseling Session

“Hello Mr. and Mrs. [Last Name], thank you for coming in today to discuss Tonya’s recent diagnosis of ADHD. I understand that this news may be overwhelming, and I want to assure you that we’re here to explore all the options together to support Tonya’s development and well-being.”

“First, I’d like to clarify some aspects of Tonya’s diagnosis. Could you tell me what you understand about ADHD and how it might be affecting her daily life?”

“Research shows that ADHD can present differently in each individual, but common signs include difficulty paying attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, which can interfere with school performance and social interactions (Wolraich et al., 2011). It’s important to remember that a diagnosis by a pediatrician often involves thorough assessment through behavioral reports and clinical observation.”

“Regarding medication, I want to address your concerns. Many ADHD medications are stimulant-based, but their purpose is to help regulate brain activity associated with attention and impulse control. While some parents worry about dependence, current research indicates that, when appropriately managed, stimulant medications have a low risk of addiction in children (Sinacola, Peters-Strickland, & Wyner, 2020).”

“Nevertheless, medication is often most effective when combined with behavioral strategies. Behavioral counseling can help Tonya develop organizational skills, improve self-control, and enhance her social interactions. This approach focuses on positive reinforcement and skill-building, which can lead to lasting improvements outside of medication effects.”

Questions for Clarification

  • “Have you observed particular situations where Tonya struggles the most, such as at school or home?”
  • “Are there any family factors or environmental influences that you think may be contributing to her behavior?”

The Role of Behavioral Counseling

Behavioral counseling complements medication by addressing the specific behaviors associated with ADHD, providing parents and teachers with strategies to manage symptoms effectively (Wolraich et al., 2011). Techniques include establishing routines, implementing reward systems, and improving communication. For Tonya, behavioral interventions can also help improve her self-esteem and social skills, which may be strained by her symptoms.

Potential Consequences of Non-Treatment

Short-term

If ADHD remains untreated, Tonya may experience ongoing academic difficulties, frustration, and social withdrawal. She might also develop low self-esteem due to repeated failures and negative social feedback (Sinacola et al., 2020).

Long-term

Without intervention, the persistence of untreated ADHD may lead to more severe consequences such as increased risk of substance abuse, legal issues, poor academic and occupational achievement, and mental health disorders like anxiety and depression (Wolraich et al., 2011). Early treatment can mitigate these risks and support positive developmental trajectories.

Empathetic Reflection on Parents’ Perspective

It is essential to acknowledge the parents’ concerns and fears, particularly about medication dependence and stigmatization. As professionals, we recognize the difficulties they face in balancing safety with effective intervention. Their desire to do what is best for Tonya demonstrates their love and commitment. Providing clear, evidence-based information and reassurance can help alleviate anxieties and foster a collaborative approach toward her treatment.

Conclusion

Effective management of ADHD in children involves a nuanced combination of pharmacological and behavioral interventions. As professionals, our goal is to educate and support families through compassionate communication and evidence-based practices. By addressing concerns, clarifying misconceptions, and emphasizing the benefits of a comprehensive treatment plan, we can empower parents to make informed decisions that promote their child’s health and development.

References

  • Sinacola, R. S., Peters-Strickland, T., & Wyner, J. D. (2020). Basic psychopharmacology for mental health professionals (3rd ed.). Pearson.
  • Wolraich, M., Brown, L., Brown, R. T., DuPaul, G., Earls, M., Feldman, H. M., ... & Visser, S. (2011). ADHD: Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. Pediatrics, 128(5), 1007–1022.
  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
  • Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Data & statistics on ADHD. CDC.gov.
  • Barkley, R. A. (2018). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A handbook for diagnosis and treatment. Guilford Publications.
  • Biederman, J., & Faraone, S. V. (2018). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The Lancet, 389(10085), 379–393.
  • Harvey, E. A., & Weiss, M. D. (2010). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for childhood ADHD: A review of the literature. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 39(2), 463-477.
  • Marcus, S. C., et al. (2012). Long-term outcomes of psychiatric medication adherence in children with ADHD. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 22(4), 265–271.
  • Pelham, W. E., & Weil, A. (2018). Evidence-based psychosocial treatments for children with ADHD. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 47(2), 234–248.
  • Schuck, S. E., et al. (2015). Multimodal treatment of ADHD in early childhood: A review of the evidence and implications for practice. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 36(8), 573–582.