Multidisciplinary Care for Children with ADHD: A Team-Based Approach to Support and Development
What is Multidisciplinary Care for ADHD?
Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often require support from multiple professionals to address challenges in attention, impulsivity, emotional regulation, motor skills, and academic performance.
A multidisciplinary care approach ensures that paediatricians, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and educators work together to create a structured, consistent, and supportive intervention plan tailored to each child’s needs.
Why is a Multidisciplinary Approach Important for ADHD?
✔ Supports all aspects of development – from focus and learning to motor skills and behaviour.
✔ Encourages early intervention, leading to better long-term academic and social success.
✔ Reduces fragmented care by ensuring professionals work towards shared goals.
✔ Improves emotional regulation and coping strategies.
✔ Provides families with structured guidance and ongoing support.
Key Professionals in Multidisciplinary ADHD Support
1. Paediatricians
Diagnose and manage ADHD symptoms and medication if needed.
Monitor overall health, growth, and development.
Refer families to allied health professionals for therapy support.
2. Psychologists and Behavioural Therapists
Provide Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to support self-regulation.
Teach coping strategies for impulse control and frustration tolerance.
Assist with social skills training to improve peer interactions.
3. Occupational Therapists (OTs)
Help with focus, organisation, and daily routines.
Provide sensory regulation strategies for children who are over- or under-stimulated.
Assist with fine motor skills, handwriting, and coordination.
4. Speech Pathologists
Support children with language processing and comprehension.
Improve pragmatic language skills to enhance communication and social interactions.
Teach strategies for following instructions and maintaining conversations.
5. Educators and Learning Support Specialists
Adapt teaching methods to accommodate attention and learning challenges.
Provide structured routines and behaviour support plans in the classroom.
Work with therapists to reinforce skills in school settings.
How Multidisciplinary Care Works for ADHD
1. Comprehensive Assessment and Goal Setting
A team of professionals evaluates the child’s needs and strengths.
Families work with the team to develop an individualised support plan.
2. Integrated Therapy and Support
Therapy is provided across different settings (home, school, clinic).
Strategies are consistent between professionals, ensuring a coordinated approach.
3. Family and Educator Involvement
Parents receive guidance on behaviour management and executive functioning strategies.
Educators work with therapists to create structured classroom routines.
4. Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments
Regular progress reviews help adjust therapy and strategies as needed.
The team works together to support transitions and new challenges.
Benefits of Multidisciplinary Care for Children with ADHD
✔ Improves focus and attention skills through targeted therapy.
✔ Enhances emotional regulation and impulse control.
✔ Provides structured support for learning and social skills.
✔ Reduces frustration and builds confidence.
✔ Creates a seamless support system across therapy, school, and home.
Multidisciplinary ADHD Support at Access Therapy
At Access Therapy, we provide multidisciplinary ADHD support in the Ipswich region. Our team of speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, and educators:
✔ Develop individualised therapy plans tailored to each child’s needs.
✔ Work collaboratively to provide holistic, consistent support.
✔ Support children in clinic-based, school-based, and home settings.
We ensure that children with ADHD receive comprehensive, team-based intervention to help them thrive in learning, social interactions, and daily life.