13 - Adjunctive Treatments for Childhood Disorders

Abstract

This chapter reviews a number of empirically based approaches that, when used as an adjunct to primary treatment approaches, serve to enhance treatment outcomes and promote long-term behavior change. Evidence-based adjunctive treatments provide the practitioner with a means to intervene at multiple levels within the child's environment. Three evidence-based treatments are discussed: classroom interventions, social skills training (SST), and multisystemic therapy (MST). Additional approaches including mentoring programs, summer camps, physical activity programs, and religious involvement are also reviewed. When used as adjuncts to primary treatment approaches, these interventions have been found to augment treatment outcomes and promote long-term maintenance of skill acquisition. Taken together, the interventions presented in this chapter represent a fraction of available, empirically supported treatments that can be used as an adjunct for primary treatments of childhood disorders. The strong empirical research supporting these interventions, as well as the high prevalence of the disorders addressed, make these optimal adjunctive treatments. In addition, many of the intervention components can be useful for a broad range of childhood behavioral problems. One example is effective rule-setting, command-giving, and reinforcement strategies that can be adapted and used by parents as alternative adjuncts to ameliorating problem behaviors in the home environment. The adaptability and transportability of behavioral strategies used in SST and MST are also important for evidence-based practitioners who are looking to improve skills in effective communication, problem-solving, and social functioning in children. Finally, given the high comorbidity between chronic illnesses and behavioral problems, it is clear how children could benefit from these treatments as adjuncts to medical care.