Culturally responsive, biopsychosocial intervention for ADHD and related problems

Aleisha H. presents with difficulty sustaining attention, excessive motor a ctivity, and poor impulse control as well as comorbid peer problems, undera chievement, oppositional behavior and an anxiety disorder. Specific family and school characteristics complicate this case and compromise treatment go als. Aleisha's symptom profile can be conceptualized from neuropsychologica l, behavioral, sociocognitive, and ecological perspectives. The pervasive n ature of her difficulties related to ADHD and comorbid problems requires a multimodal treatment approach. A comprehensive treatment plan that includes interventions that affect the child in the settings where problems are mos t likely to occur is presented. A treatment approach that includes cultural ly sensitive school and family interventions, an evaluation of family facto rs that are related to attitudes toward pharmacological treatment, and a mu ltimethod strategy for assessing outcomes is discussed. Common strategies a nd tools used in multimodal treatments of ADHD are outlined.