Why Punishment Doesn’t Work

People often assume that the reason for ADHD is lack of punishment. This can be very insulting for parents as it is assumed that their lack of discipline is to blame. However, lack of punishment does not cause ADHD and increased punishment does not improve ADHD.

ADHD is a factor of a child’s neurochemistry and physical brain. Just as someone who cannot hear well or see well should not be punished, those with ADHD should also not be punished. Anger and frustration result since punishment often leads to a coercive behavior cycle. This occurs when some authority (a parent, teacher, or boss) gives an order. When the person with ADHD does not listen to this order, the authority becomes angry and frustrated. The authority can either physically force the other person to complete the order or give up and ignore the order. This eventually causes more frustration for all people involved.

The key to dealing with ADHD is not punishment, but increased use of positive reinforcement, skills training and proper use of effective compensatory strategies. An ADD/ADHD coach can help develop and apply these strategies. In order to better cope with your or your loved one’s ADHD, contact Dr. Gordon.

Contact Dr. Gordon for help with your ADHD. We have treatment and solutions available online, by phone, and in our offices.

written by:
 Brianna Malinowski, 
Jay Gordon, Ph.D

Reynolds, C., Vannest, K., & Harrison, J. (2012). The Energetic Brain (pp. 28-30). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.