Attention deficit hiperactive disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common diorders diagnosed in childhood that has an important influence on the learning and social abililities of the child. The basic principle in the treatment of children with ADHD is a multidimensional approach, the most efficient psychosocial treatments are the cognitive behavioural approaches.
In the existent work we wanted to evaluate the effects of group treatment based on the principles of the cognitive behavioural and the dance movement therapy for children with ADHD.
Cognitive behavioural approaches as individual or group treatment oriented towards the child can help to develop the weak areas of the child with ADHD. Dance movement therapy, in combination with cognitive behaviourial therapy, is especially effective in reducing and controlling of hiperactive behaviour.
In the theoretical part we are introducing the basic background of the attention deficit hiperactive disorder, efficient approaches, strategies of help and the experiences so far with the leading of groups for children with ADHD at the Councelling centre for children, adolescents and parents in Ljubljana.
The aim of our research was to find out the effects of group therapy based on the principles of the cognitive behavioural and the dance movement therapy on the self-image, attention and behaviour of children with ADHD. Our research was designed as an action research where a qualitative research approach with elements of quantitative research was used.
The sample consisted of seven children with ADHD, who attended a group treatment which contained eight meetings from january till march 2016. Their parents and class teachers evaluated the performance of the children before and after the treatment. The results showed positive results considering the evaluation of the parents and teachers on the area of attention, hiperactiveness and impulseness at home and at school. Little positive changes were recognized by the teachers on the social area.
The results of the research can be used as an encouragement for teachers, special teachers and school councelors to use group work as an effective form of aid for children with ADHD also at school.
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