Please Read this Case Study: In this scenario we have John who is a 9-year-old boy who has been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). He lives with his mother, Sarah, a single parent, and his older sister. John's symptoms include difficulty staying focused, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, which have been present since early childhood.

Factors indicating the presence of ADHD as a chronic condition are seen in John's behavior and symptoms. These symptoms cause significant impairment in academic performance, social relationships, and daily functioning (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). John's behavior has led to challenges in completing schoolwork, making friends, and following instructions. It is evident that John's ADHD is chronic and not transient.

The impact of John's condition on the family is significant. Sarah, as a single parent, has to juggle her responsibilities at work with managing John's behavior at home. This often leads to high levels of stress and exhaustion for her. John's older sister also experiences difficulties as his behavior disrupts the household, creating tension and causing sibling conflicts. The condition has created an imbalance in the family dynamics, placing added strain on relationships.

The risk factors, stressors, and challenges that Sarah faces as a parent due to John's ADHD are numerous. These include financial stress due to the costs of therapy and medication, emotional stress caused by witnessing her child's struggles, as well as the constant need to monitor and manage John's behavior. Sarah may also face criticism from others who do not understand or empathize with John's condition, further contributing to her stress. The challenges affect Sarah's ability to have quality time with her children, engage in self-care, and maintain a work-life balance.

Understanding these risk factors, stressors, and challenges is crucial in supporting Sarah within my professional counselor role. It allows me to validate her experiences and provide her with empathy and understanding. By recognizing the financial strain, I can assist Sarah in exploring resources such as financial assistance programs or therapy options covered by insurance. Acknowledging the emotional stress will help create a safe space for Sarah to express her feelings and fears without judgment or blame. Understanding the challenges she faces in managing John's behavior will guide me in providing her with parenting strategies and techniques tailored to John's needs.

One strategy I would use to ensure that Sarah and John receive the support they need is collaborative support. I would encourage Sarah to join a support group for parents of children with ADHD. By connecting with other parents facing similar challenges, she can gain validation, share experiences, and learn coping strategies from others who have been through similar situations. Group therapy can also provide a sense of community, reducing feelings of isolation. The second strategy I would use is educating the parent. I would provide Sarah with educational resources and workshops specifically designed for parents of children with ADHD. These resources would equip her with knowledge about ADHD, its management strategies, and effective parenting techniques. By empowering Sarah with knowledge, she will feel more confident in her ability to support John and navigate the challenges they face.

Please address why you feel their strategies will or will not work. Give at least 1 positive comment. If you disagree, be sure to explain why.