Behavior modification strategy for motivating children with attention deficiency disorder

Abstract

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral developmental disorder and its manifestation during childhood is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity. Children with such mental retardation more often exhibit behavior problems than children without disabilities. Teaching these children is more challenging than teaching normal children in the same age group and is always considered as one of the most important and challenging functions of special education. ADHD is currently considered a persistent and chronic condition. Though a common behavior modification strategy is not always useful in dealing with neurobehavioral development, it may be more appropriate to design strategies based on the cognitive ability of the subject undergoing treatment. The strategy discussed in this paper is mostly focused on educating children with attention deficit disorder than treating hyperactivity as hyperactivity is mostly managed by the used of medication. The behavior modification strategy suggested is based on the fact that children below 12 years have strong interest in specific activities involving audiovisual stimulus. The strategy aims in motivating the children to learn a specific act such as learning subjects like mathematics. The protocol basically motivates the children to focus and concentrate on solving a problem in order to be rewarded with audiovisual stimulus which are of interest to them. The paper provides a fairly comprehensive picture on the neuro-cognitive modifications associated with this treatment protocol in treating these children.