More and more families are being diagnosed with ADHD and autism. At the same time, many parents and families are at a loss - exhausted and worried - and children themselves often feel the same frustration. Diagnosis is just the beginning; real support is needed to make life after diagnosis meaningful and understandable.
For many, medicine is given as the main solution, but alone it is rarely enough. We believe in something more comprehensive: individualized psychological treatment that gives children and families the tools they really need.
Psychological treatment is not just a solution - it is the way forward. Where medicine can alleviate symptoms, therapy offers a compass for coping with life's challenges.
Why psychological treatment after a diagnosis?
After a diagnosis has been made, it is common to feel unsure about what steps to take next. Medication can be an important part of treatment, but psychological treatment offers a deeper and more lasting solution.
Through psychological treatment, your child will learn strategies that will help not only in the present, but also in the future. These tools become part of everyday life, as a personal 'toolbox' for coping with difficulties, from school situations to social situations and the challenges of adult life. Where medicine can have a short-term effect, psychological treatment offers long-term security.
As each child is unique, their treatment should also reflect this. Psychological treatment is tailored to the child's personal needs, interests and difficulties, ensuring they receive support that is right for them. We work closely with both children and parents to find solutions that feel right for the child, creating a solid foundation for managing life with a diagnosis on their own terms.
Psychological treatment focuses on the whole child, not just on managing symptoms. It goes deeper and works on the child's self-esteem, emotional needs and relationships, creating a stable foundation for their whole life. By focusing on the child's whole, rather than just the diagnosis, better conditions are created for a balanced and meaningful development.
Parental and family involvement
When the whole family is included in the treatment, you are given all the tools to support each other in a meaningful way. Psychological treatment gives you the opportunity to understand the diagnosis in depth and create a family environment that supports the child's development and mental well-being. Family engagement creates a safe and understanding foundation where the child feels seen and accepted, which contributes to better long-term outcomes.
How psychological treatment can help
Understanding and navigating life after a diagnosis requires the right tools and support. Psychological treatment can offer these through a range of methods and programmes tailored to each child and family. Here are some of the most common and effective forms of psychological help offered after an ADHD or autism diagnosis.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT ) - CBT helps children understand and manage their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. By identifying negative thought patterns and replacing them with constructive strategies, the child learns to cope with both internal and external challenges. CBT creates a platform of self-understanding that provides a solid base for dealing with the diagnosis in a way that feels manageable.
Parenting support - As a parent, it is easy to feel powerless in the face of the challenges a diagnosis can bring. Parenting support gives you the tools and understanding to best support your child, strengthen family communication and create a safe atmosphere. By understanding your child's needs and behaviors, you as a parent can feel more confident in supporting your child's development.
Social skills training - Children and young people with ADHD or autism often face difficulties in social settings. Social skills training helps children develop social skills and abilities that strengthen their ability to communicate, cooperate and form meaningful relationships. For example, practicing conflict resolution and empathetic communication gives children better opportunities to flourish in both school and everyday life.
Psychoeducation - Understanding is the key to success, and psychoeducation helps the whole family to better understand and manage the NPF diagnosis. Educating both the child and the parents about the diagnosis creates a common ground of understanding, which strengthens family bonds and makes it easier to deal with challenges together.
The benefits of psychological help are many
When psychological treatment is combined with a diagnosis, both the child and the family have the opportunity to deal with the challenges in a meaningful and constructive way. The benefits extend far beyond the therapy room and can bring about positive change in both everyday life and the future.
Improved self-regulation - Children learn to manage their emotions and impulses in a way that strengthens their self-confidence and ability to function in everyday life. Being able to regulate their emotions makes everyday situations less stressful and more manageable.
Building self-esteem and confidence - Psychological treatment helps children build a stronger self-image and a better understanding of themselves. This helps them feel more secure in their identity and increase their self-esteem, which can have positive effects on everything from social relationships to school performance.
Improved family dynamics - When the whole family is involved in the treatment, it creates a stronger and more understanding dynamic where everyone has the opportunity to contribute positively. This makes the family situation more harmonious and provides a safe place for the child to grow and develop.
Support at school - Many children with an NPF diagnosis have a particularly tough time at school. Psychological treatment can provide tools and strategies to deal with school challenges, from concentration difficulties to stress management. This helps the child to succeed and feel safe in the school environment.
Reduced anxiety and depression - Many children and adolescents with an NPF diagnosis experience anxiety or depression as a result of their difficulties. Psychological treatment helps to identify and alleviate these feelings by strengthening the child's emotional well-being and providing concrete tools to manage difficult emotions.
Next steps
At Evidentia Psychology, we have developed four different treatment programs based on cognitive behavioral therapy designed for the treatment of ADHD and/or autism.
- Treatment for couples, when one or both partners in a relationship have ADHD and/or autism.
- Parental support for children with ADHD and/or autism
- Treatment for adults with ADHD and/or autism
- Treatment for adolescents with ADHD and/or autism
Ready to create a safer and more understanding future for your child? Contact Evidentia Psychology for a free consultation about our treatment programs.
