This Master's thesis presents a case study in which Video Home Training – a process of analysing video recordings of real life situations – is used to help the family of a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
In the theoretical part of the thesis, we explore the history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder using the modern definition and identifying criteria. As the exact cause of the disorder is still not known, we present various understandings of the possible causes based on different theories. We also present the characteristics of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, including a short overview of differences between genders. Following that, we present the treatment and the process of diagnosing the disorder. We point out the elements of help and support provided to the child by their teachers at school and their parents at home. Alongside teachers and parents, it is also important that the child gets professional help, which is why we make an overview of possible strategies that professionals can use. One of the possible approaches to help and support that professionals can use when working with parents and children facing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is the Video Home Training technique. At the end of the theoretical part, we present the process of conducting this approach, which can often replace medical or some other kind of treatment.
In the empirical part, we present the process of support using the Video Home Training approach for the parents and their child who joined this process voluntarily. Our process follows the theoretical and methodical instructions of this approach and is documented and qualitatively evaluated. We tested this approach in close collaboration with the parents and evaluated the effects together. The contribution of this case study is in the systematic analysis of the conducted process, the concrete presentation of all interventions with illustrations, and the evaluation of the process’ success. At the same time, we also compare our findings with the findings of our theoretical sources. Up until now, this method has only been presented theoretically in Slovenia, which means that this is the first report on its practical implementation.
Through the case study, we can sense that the Video Home Training approach brings positive changes to the observed family. They overcome everyday problems connected to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder more efficiently and more easily, the parents have improved their communication, the child’s problems have lessened, there are more moments of positive interaction between the family members, and the approach also improved the quality of their family life in general.
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