Family STARS (Skills Training for AD/HD Related Symptoms) is Texas Children's Learning Support Center’s intervention program for families of children 7 to 12 year olds with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). Specialists provide skills workshops for parents, while child therapists work with their children to improve self-regulation skills and behavioral routines.
Led by David F. Curtis, Ph.D., staff psychologist and assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicine, the program is relatively new to Texas Children’s. Only a handful of organizations offer programs focusing on this innovative area. As experts learn more about AD/HD, its causes and treatments, they continue to develop more effective forms of behavior therapy.
Aiming to improve behavior
Family STARS intervention is designed to improve behavior management (not academic or study skills) for children with AD/HD. Behavioral interventions include modifying the physical and social environment in order to promote more positive behaviors and to correct maladaptive and noncompliant behaviors.
Parent-child behavior therapy teaches parents strategies to use in shaping the behavior of a child who has AD/HD. Examples of how parents can help include:
- Maintaining a daily schedule.
- Keeping distractions to a minimum.
- Providing specific and logical places for the child to keep his schoolwork, toys and clothes.
- Setting small reachable goals.
- Rewarding positive behavior.
- Using charts and checklists to help the child stay "on task."
- Limiting choices.
- Finding activities in which the child can be successful (such as hobbies or sports).
- Using calm discipline (such as time out, distraction and removing the child from the situation).
These interventions have been proven successful for managing core AD/HD symptoms as well as behavior problems often seen in children with AD/HD. They are included in the treatment recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatricians, American Medical Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
How can my child participate?
To participate in the program, a child must be 7 to 12 years old and have problems consistent with a diagnosis of AD/HD. Prior diagnosis is not required, but must be determined prior to program participation. All Family STARS participants will need to:
- Complete a pre-intervention information packet that includes patient history information and behavioral rating scales
- Participate in a Diagnostic Intake Evaluation (interview format) at the Learning Support Center for Child Psychology
- Participate in a consultation session with Family STARS clinicians, which allows diagnostic feedback and discussion regarding the appropriateness of the Family STARS intervention (or other alternatives) for each child's presenting concerns.
Currently, the program is being offered in two formats. One version is delivered using a multi-family group learning and discussion format. The other version is an individual family format. (As a clinical research program, it will reach more families in need of this intervention, but randomized assignments will prohibit choosing which format participants will receive.)
The next Family STARS series—including 10 consecutive Mondays—will begin in September 2006. To participate, please contact the Learning Support Center for Child Psychology's program intake coordinator, Ellen Ervin at 832-822-3712 to review the steps, obtain pre-intervention materials and facilitate scheduling needs with interested parents.
