From chaos to order: a nursing-based psycho-education program for parents of children with attention-deficit...

A psycho-education program for parents of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is described. This intervention strategy is based on the nursing theory Modeling and Role Modeling developed by Erickson, Tomlin, and Swain to help people cope with stressors by facilitating the development of self-care knowledge and self-care resources, and by promoting self-care action. Key components of the program are an emphasis on pattern recognition and pattern management, the fostering of insider and outsider knowledge, and an emphasis on the strengths of participants and of their children with ADHD.