Treating children with affect dysregulation. Discussion of Dr. Wendy Olesker's analysis of Matt

This paper is a discussion of Dr. Wendy Olesker's sensitive analytic treatment of an impulsive, affectively dysregulated, preschool child. Drawing on her knowledge and understanding of developmental interference, trauma, and conflict, Dr. Olesker uses a variety of nonverbal, interpretative, developmental, and play techniques during the analysis to help this boy progress in his development. She also works with the parents collaboratively as part of the therapeutic process. Because Dr. Olesker's description of Matt might easily fit a diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, it is suggested that child analysts recognize the usefulness of considering child analysis when they are evaluating or treating children with this diagnosis.