Medication is routinely viewed as the treatment choice for children with ADHD. However, the research shows greater treatment satisfaction and greater benefits for secondary symptoms when treatment also includes behavioral and psychosocial components. Current research is focusing on the role of executive functions in ADHD. Children with ADHD lag behind others in the development of executive functions and consequently may have difficulties meeting behavioral expectations on the playground, in the classroom, and at home. Participants will learn 1) how the brain's various executive functions enable intentional, goal-directed behavior 2) the relationship between children's play and the development of critical executive functions 3) playful ways to help children with ADHD strengthen their functioning. The emphasis will be on practical play therapy techniques that empower children to become active partners in managing their ADHD.

Daniel Yeager, LCSW, RPT-S has been in private practice in Lafayette, LA since 1984. Mr. Yeager specializes in working with children with ADHD, school difficulties, and social skill problems. An enthusiastic advocate of play therapy, Mr. Yeager was instrumental in the organization of the Louisiana Association for Play Therapy and is past president of LAPT. Daniel provides play therapy training nationwide and his workshops blend a solid theoretical foundation with an active, practical learning experience.