Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: First Wave Case Conceptualization

Abstract

An overview of first wave of behavior therapy approach to the treatment of individuals with a diagnosis of ADHD draws focus towards the importance of environmental contingencies of an individual. With antecedent and consequence manipulations, behavior therapists can address multitude of behavior deficits and excesses for individuals with ADHD. Behavioral interventions are conceptualized based on the functionality of the behavior to be changed instead of the diagnosis of the individual. The generality of first wave of behavioral therapy approach to the treatment of behavior deficit and excess allows for effective behavior change regardless of diagnosis. First wave behavior therapeutic approaches for treating behavioral deficits and excesses has had tremendous efficacy; however, the question remains as to why this approach has not received more attention or been employed more globally. Interestingly, within the last decade there has been an explosion of utilization of this approach to treat individuals diagnosed with Autism. Although this adoption of first wave behavior therapies to individuals diagnosed with Autism is phenomenal and timely given the increase in occurrence; this same type of movement and widespread adoption of first wave behavior therapy needs to occur for individuals diagnosed with ADHD.KeywordsFirst wave behavior therapyApplied behavior analysisAttention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)Behavioral interventions