SATURDAY TREATMENT PROGRAM (SatTP)

What:  Program to help children with ADHD develop positive peer relationships

When: Saturdays in February and March (2012) 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM  

Where: Summit Educational Resources, 150 Stahl Road Getzville, NY 

Cost: Reimbursable through insurance (co-pay may apply; please call for more information)

Behavior modification therapy, implemented in the child's home and school environments, and in settings in which the child interacts with peers, is the most effective non-pharmaceutical intervention for ADHD.  The Saturday Treatment Program (SatTP) at Summit Educational Resources ADHD Clinic focuses on promoting the development of social and sports skills to enhance positive peer relationships.  The SatTP offers children with behavior problems the opportunity to receive treatment for peer difficulties in a natural setting.  

During the two-hour program, children are placed in groups of 8 to 10 children of similar ages.  Two clinical counselors staff the group.  Children begin the program participating in a structured social skills group that involves modeling and role-play of a key social skill.  The participants discuss how they can use the social skill throughout their life, including during the recreational activities that are part of the SaTP. Following the social skills discussion, children participate in a recreational period that includes sports skill drill practice and game play (e.g., soccer, basketball, kickball) Sports are used as a mechanism for creating a naturalistic peer setting and for helping children to develop their athleticism because this is an easy way for children to interact with peers outside of the SatTP.  Each recreational periods ends with a post-activity discussion where participants discuss their use of the social skill(s) of the day.  

Behavior modification therapy is implemented throughout the SatTP in order to shape the development of appropriate social skills and compliance with requests and rules.  Individualized behavior programs are developed for children if needed in order to promote the child’s success in the SatTP.

The SatTP is only one component of comprehensive evidenced-based treatment for ADHD.  In order to be maximally effective, treatment for ADHD should also involve parent training and school consultation, so that the child’s parents and teachers can implement effect behavioral treatment in the child’s home and school environments.