Although some programs have been developed specifically for children with brain disorders, many of the suggested approaches come from what helps with typically developing kids and their families. These include:
- parenting support
- behaviour therapy
- cognitive behavioural therapy
- mindfulness
- medications
Parenting support
In the early years, parenting support can be extremely helpful in promoting your child's development and mental health. Please speak to your family doctor about resources that might be available in your community. The neuropsychologist might also be able to share some options after your child's neuropsychological assessment.
This type of support can be offered in group sessions or to individual parents or couples. The overall goals are to help parents:
- promote their child's emotional, social and academic competence
- prevent, reduce and treat behavioural and emotional problems.
Psychotherapy
The main type of therapy that has been shown to be useful is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This helps a child explore the relationship between their thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
As another form of psychotherapy, family therapy helps those affected by a brain disorder and any mental health issues to understand the family as a system. The goal of family therapy is to support optimal development and mental health for all family members.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness helps parents practise being focused on the present moment in their parenting and responding thoughtfully to any behavioural issues instead of reacting as if on autopilot.
An emerging body of research indicates that mindfulness can also help children improve their abilities to pay attention, calm down when they are upset and make better decisions. In short, it helps both parents and children regulate their emotions and focus their thinking.
Motivational interviewing
Motivational interviewing is a type of interview that is done in a clinic by a therapist, psychologist or trained medical professional to help patients understand their positive motivations for changing their behaviour to improve their physical and mental health. This interviewing technique can occur as needed or over a series of sessions.
Medications
Some children can learn to cope with support from parents, mindfulness or other therapies. However, medications may sometimes be recommended if they are considered appropriate. This very much depends on a child's individual needs.
Further information
For more information on brain disorders and related mental health challenges, please see the following pages:
Brain disorders and mental health: Overview
Brain disorders and mental health: Assessing your child for neuropsychological difficulties
Brain disorders and mental health: How to help your child cope
Resources
The following books offer useful information about brain disorders and related mental health issues.
Dawson, P. & Guare, R. (2009). Smart but Scattered. New York, NY: The Guildford Press.
Dawson, P. & Guare, R. (2010). Executive Skills in Children and Adolescents. New York, NY: The Guildford Press.
Greene, R. W. (2014). The Explosive Child. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
Guare, R. & Dawson, P. (2013). Smart but Scattered TEENS. New York, NY: The Guildford Press.
Huebner, D. (2005). What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety. Magination Press.
Siegel, D. J. (2013). Brainstorm. New York, NY: Penguin Group.
Siegal, D. J. & Bryson, T. P. (2011). The Whole Brain Child. New York, NY: Random House.