At a glance
- Experts recommend behavior therapy as the first treatment for children under 6 years of age living with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Experts also recommend that healthcare providers refer parents of children younger than 12 years old for training in behavior therapy.
- CDC works with partners to provide evidence-based information and support to families of children with ADHD.
Behavior therapy first
What to consider after an ADHD diagnosis
Behavior therapy is the recommended treatment for ADHD in children under 6 years of age. The type of behavior therapy that is most effective for this age is parent training in behavior management, meaning that therapists work with parents and teach them the skills needed to help their child better manage their ADHD.
For older children, the best treatment is often a combination of behavior therapy and medication. However, for children under 6 years of age, experts recommend that ADHD be treated with behavior therapy first, before trying medication.
Steps to take
- First, talk with your child's healthcare provider about behavioral therapy.
- Visit CDC's website to find out more about parent training in behavioral management for ADHD.
Treatment types
Behavior therapy
Behavior therapy works as well as medication in young children with ADHD in helping to manage symptoms. Studies have shown that families who receive training in behavior therapy notice improvements for several years after treatment.
Behavior therapy first for young children
Medications
The long-term effects of ADHD medications on children under 6 are not known since ADHD medications have not been well-studied in young children.
- Children under 6 are more likely than older children to experience side effects from ADHD medications, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, and a loss of energy.
Need help?
CDC funds the National Resource Center on ADHD (NRC), a program of CHADD—Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Their website has links to information for children with ADHD and their families. The NRC also operates a call center (1-866-200-8098) with trained staff to answer questions about ADHD.
ADHD resources
CHADD's NRC was established to be the national clearinghouse for the latest evidence-based information on ADHD.
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Subcommittee on Children and Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents. Available at: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/144/4/e20192528/81590/Clinical-Practice-Guideline-for-the-Diagnosis?autologincheck=redirected. Accessed on December 13, 2023.
- Society of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology. Inattention & Hyperactivity (ADHD). Available at: https://effectivechildtherapy.org/concerns-symptoms-disorders/disorders/inattention-and-hyperactivity-adhd/. Accessed on September 16, 2025.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Treating and dealing with ADHD. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/dealing-adhd-what-you-need-know. Accessed on December 13, 2023.
- CHADD. Parenting a Child with ADHD. Available at: https://chadd.org/for-parents/overview/. Accessed on December 11, 2025.