ADHD Behavior Charts

While ADHD behavior charts may not be able to work miracles in your child's behavior, they can be used to modify some behaviors and may even improve your child's performance in several areas.

ADHD behavior charts must be designed to limit and in some cases eradicate those unwanted actions altogether. Behavior charts clearly spell out the expectations you may have of your child. For many kids with ADHD, visual expectations play a major role in changing behaviors. If your child is able to read what is expected of him, he may respond more appropriately. The charts can be used to track your child's progress as he attempts to change negative behaviors into positive ones. Once your child begins to focus on those expectations, his patterns will hopefully begin to change. Will this happen overnight? Of course not, but by breaking the cycle and focusing on expectations, a change can occur.

The ADHD behavior charts you choose should have specific tasks, goals, and expectations listed. In some instances, you may want to create more than one behavior chart to simplify the process. For example, if you want your child to focus more on homework, then create a chart that is divided into the subjects he studies at school. However, don't add other behaviors or goals to that particular chart, such as chores. One general characteristic of many kids with ADHD is their inability to focus on several tasks at once. Creating a chart that is filled with expectations in various areas can be overwhelming and may do more harm than good. As you create or look for behavior charts, keep the following in mind:

• Keep it simple.-A chart that is too wordy may be difficult for your child to follow. Keep the chart as simple and organized as possible.
• Make lists.-These lists will probably include expected and undesirable behaviors. Use these lists to create your chart, but again, don't go overboard with detailed behaviors. In the beginning, focus on the larger picture. Once you see a marked improvement in your child's actions, you can get more detailed later.
• Decide on a reward and consequence system.-How do you want to reward your child's positive behaviors? Will you use stars or hand out tokens or tickets? Whatever method you choose, consider some type of reward after a certain amount of time. For example, after a week of doing all of her homework, you could give her a gift certificate to her favorite ice cream shop or rent a new video game for her. If your child does not live up to your expectations, however, you also need to list the consequences for her negative actions.
• Keep it positive.-Explain the process of the behavior chart to your child, and be as positive and upbeat as you can.
• Be consistent.-Consistency is the key to the success of using behavior charts. If you have created a list of goals, expectations, rewards, and consequences, you must follow that list.

Keep in mind that your child may really test you when you first begin using the behavior charts. However, once he sees that you are serious about your expectations, he may respond enthusiastically to the structure and organization of the charts.

The following sites offer a number of behavior charts that may work for you and your child. Many of these are free to download and/or print. If you have any other sites you'd like to suggest to our readers, please do so in the comments section of this article. We would love to know what works for you and your child!

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