Dr. Tynan suggests that of the 2 types, the impulsive and hyperactive ones need immediate attention. Kids who really are very very impulsive with no regard for their own safety. In those situations where the child puts himself at risk, clearly they need treatment. Stimulant medicines like ritalin have been around for years. However, Tynan suggests a combination of both pharmico and behavioral therapy.
Behavioral therapy involves teaching parents how to better manage their children.
It's not uncommon for adults to take classes in everything from automotives to zoology. But perhaps the class that could have and would benefit us most is the one that teaches parenting. We sometimes make assumptions because people bear children that they know how to rear children, and nothing could be further from the truth. What we find is that parents, even though they're very well intentioned, sometimes don't understand developmental stages for their young children, and also don't know how to appropriately discipline them, redirect their behaviors, stimulate them. The Parenting Resource Education Network is a 24-week course that trains parents to become parenting educators.