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Q: What is the age range of this program?
Dr. Myers: "Age 5 to mid-teen years"
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Q: How does Total Focus work?
Dr. Myers: "Total Focus provides a number of non-medical interventions that have been found to be effective through scientific research and have been recommended by organizations such as the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder (CHADD). These techniques when used as directed and consistently over a period of time will result in changes in behavior which indicates a change in brain function and perhaps a change in brain structure as well. These interventions are: parent education, behavior modification program for home and school, cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation and biofeedback training, social skills training and cognitive rehabilitation (brain training).
Total Focus also works on building a family team that not only benefits the child with ADHD but the rest of the family as well. Research has shown that psycho-educational programs that strengthen families and result in positive interactions that persist over time result in good prognosis for the long term."
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Q: How long will it take to achieve results?
Dr. Myers: "Positive changes in behavior can be achieved in 4 weeks or less. However, greater gains will be observed after three months. Key elements of the program should be continued (on a limited basis) indefinitely to maintain the benefits."
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Q: Can Total Focus be used with or without the help of my child’s teacher?
Dr. Myers: "The home – school behavior contract definitely requires the help of the teacher. It is easy to use. Most teachers are happy to do their part, because changes that benefit an individual student will ultimately make the teacher’s job easier. The program provides suggestions for parents on how to engage the teacher’s cooperation with the program."
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Q: Can Total Focus be used if my child is or is not on medication?
Dr. Myers: "Treatment guidelines developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) recommend that all children with ADHD should receive behavioral interventions and if needed medication should be added. Research indicates that most children with mild to moderate symptoms may be treated successfully with comprehensive behavioral intervention alone. Some experts believe that appropriate behavioral interventions may reduce the dose required or the length of medication therapy for some children who are on ADHD medications. Never discontinue your child’s medication without first consulting with the prescribing physician."
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Q: Can Total Focus be used by teachers, counselors and other professionals?
Dr. Myers: "Yes. Total Focus can be used as a cost-effective approach for either individual or group treatment directed by an educational or health care professional."
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Q: Should I consult with my physician if I believe my child has attention or hyperactivity issues?
Dr. Myers: "Yes. ADHD should be diagnosed by an appropriate licensed health professional which would include pediatric, family practice or child psychiatry physicians and child psychologists. This is important because the symptoms may be related to another physical or mental disorder that might require different treatment. It is also important because ADHD may co-exist with another physical or mental disorder which would require treatment along with ADHD. I encourage parents to show The Total Focus Program to their child’s physician and include it in the overall discussion of their child’s behavior management."
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This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. Neither Legacy Publishing Company nor Dr. Myers take responsibility for any possible consequences from any action taken which results from reading or following the information contained in this information. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.
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