Empowering Tweens with ADHD- Online Facilitated Program for Tweens by SafeZone Counselling and ADHD Foundation
Adolescence can be a challenging time for any child, but for tweens with ADHD, these years often bring heightened difficulties. As academic pressures increase and social dynamics become more complex, ADHD-related challenges such as inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and executive functioning deficits can feel overwhelming. The OnTrac program addresses these challenges through:
Designed for eligible tweens aged 11-13 years and diagnosed with ADHD, the program is offered under Medicare’s Better Access Initiative (Group Therapy, Item 80123). To obtain a rebate, participants require a referral from their GP, paediatrician, or psychiatrist with the specified item number. Feedback will be provided to the referring professional upon program completion.
This CBT based group program aims to assist the children with their gradual transition into environments that are less structured and less supervised, as well as help them cope with the emotional challenges that are inherent to this phase of development that are often exacerbated by their ADHD.
This program is comprised of three modules:
This foundational module helps participants, and their families develop a comprehensive understanding of ADHD. It empowers tweens to better understand themselves, normalize their experiences, reduce stigma, and foster self-compassion.
Through interactive activities and real-life examples, tweens practice these skills in a supportive online group environment, preparing them for greater independence and success in adolescence.
Studies show that emotions play a significant role in ADHD symptoms, suggesting a direct link between negative thinking and ADHD symptoms. The ‘OnTrac’ program emphasizes the cognitive component of the intervention as much as psychoeducation and practical coping skills.
This module focuses on reshaping thought patterns to promote adaptive and realistic thinking about problems and challenges. It helps children understand their ADHD-related issues from a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) perspective.
By addressing thought patterns, this module helps participants manage the emotional aspects of ADHD, significantly impacting behaviour and self-worth.
The final module equips tweens with practical tools to manage ADHD-related challenges in their daily lives. Learning these skills at a young age can facilitate the transition to environments that require greater independence, such as moving from primary to high school, university, or the workplace.
The program balances the importance of involving parents with the understanding that this is a time of increased independence. Parenting to protect needs to be balanced with parenting to prepare. Children are taught to rely less on their parents and more on their own cognitive and behavioural abilities
Please click this link to register your interest in the program and enrol your child.
To read more about what our OnTrac Group Program for Tweens offers, please download the Program Rationale as a PDF here: