Introduction: Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder belongs to a group of behavioural and emotional disorders. Most common symptoms include low concentration levels, hyperactive behaviour, impulsiveness and bad organization, which reflects on everyday problem-solving and emotion regulation. Subsequently it worsens social-interactive functioning, education and carrying out occupations, regarding taking care of themselves in free time and productivity. As occupational therapists we work towards enabling independent and efficient daily activities in kids with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, while also helping them engage with the environment around them. There are many different approaches for reaching set goals. Purpose: The goal of this research was finding out which approaches Slovenian occupational therapists most commonly use for dealing with patients suffering of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, what advantages each of them brings and which one proves to be the most established and effective. Methods: During the qualitative research we conducted 5 interviews with occupational therapists from different pediatric clinics from Slovenia. Results: Occupational therapists mentioned and talked about many different approaches while dealing with patients suffering of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, which mostly consist of cognitive-behavioural approach, and sensory integration approach. Choosing which approach to go with depends on patient’s current condition and set goals. Pros and cons play a part in choosing as well, where the knowledge obtained through therapy can be transferred to home environment. They also presented some of the characteristics of dealing with patients from all stages – accepting a patient, evaluation, therapy itself and usage of tools to help with participating in their everyday environment. They mention some other approaches, which are commonly used abroad for treating population with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, problems they face and ideas for improvement, from which parent inclusion strikes as most important. Discussion and conclusion: For therapy of patients with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder the most effective proves to be a combination of different approaches, which give positive results with improving the quality of everyday activities, spare time activities, organising activities and participating in children’s environment. Involving parents and their engagement in transferring progress from therapy to home environment, proves to be crucial for achieving successful rehabilitation.
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