One of the most effective ADD/ADHD behavior modification tools are the attention deficit disorder behavior charts.  These are charts that help guide and track a child’s behavior adjustments and task accomplishments in the areas of chores, self care and behavior.

The tasks should range from easy to difficult and the rewards can be adjusted from a point system to a more tangible reward. The basic layout, tasks and subsequent rewards should always be adjusted to fit the individual child’s personality and motivations.

Tracking on the attention deficit disorder behavior charts should be done on a daily basis, and should be an enjoyable and fun event.  Instead of focusing on milestones or tasks that were not completed, praise those tasks that were done and give extra credit or points for those items that were done particularly well.

Vary the type and difficulty of the tasks or challenges that your child is expected to accomplish. Make sure you have some easy things that may already be part of your child’s routine.  That way your child is assured of always receiving acknowledgement of some completed tasks every day. 

At the same time make sure that there are some goals and milestones for the child to strive to accomplish.  Perhaps there are some issues that your child continually struggles with, make sure those are on the chart. Not only will this be a reminder to the child on a daily basis, which in itself may help them succeed in that area.

Give extra points for expected good behaviors and accomplishments. Praise and reward those self-initiating behaviors that indicate attitude adjustments and behaviors.  In this way the attention deficit disorder behavior charts can be a great tool in helping your child deal with ADD and ADHD.

Seek the cooperation of your child’s teachers in advising you of accomplishments that take place at school.  You might even consider supplying the teacher with a simple form with goals and tasks already printed, that they simply check off before sending it home.  Make sure that the child’s good performance is praised and rewarded.

If your child doesn’t comprehend accumulating points as a reward system, you may want to consider the “gold star” method. Seeing the attention deficit disorder behavior charts gradually fill up with shiny foil stars or smiley face stickers may be enough motivation for your child to monitor his or her progress.  You may want to set up a large pickle jar and drop a coin in for each success. Then the ultimate reward would be an opportunity to turn the change into a visit to the local arcade.

Be consistent in how and when you review the attention deficit disorder behavior charts.  Set a time that is both convenient for you and your child; perhaps just before or just after dinner.  Just remember to reward good behavior with both verbal praise and tangible evidence of their accomplishments; whether money (sometimes still called an allowance), a favorite treat or a visit to their favorite fun activity spot.  Just remember, you are rewarding good behavior only, bad behavior should never be profitable for your child.

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