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november 2015
“Untreated ADHD can pose a tremendous psychological, financial, academic, and social burden to the individual and the community, which reflects the importance of diagnosing and treating the disorder.”
Frontiers in Pyschiatry / Read Full Article
The Make-Believe Initiative: IM4 Program™
IM4 Program™
The Make-Believe Initiative
The Make-Believe Initiative offers a solution: The IM4 Program™. The program offers coaching to parents and is based on five key principles: 1) identification 2) medication 3) modification 4) monitoring & 5) mentoring.
We teach our clients how to implement each of these five principles, step by step, to help parents and teachers work together to build the confidence our children need to succeed.
Phase 1: Identification
In the first phase of the program, we identify any family history or symptoms of mental illness and educate parents.
We also help connect parents to a mental health professional who can further assist in diagnosis, researching ancillary conditions, and prescribing the appropriate medication.
Then, we identify various means of leveraging this newfound knowledge and applying it to the child’s education.
We provide hands-on guidance for securing appropriate Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and navigating the 504 process.
Phase 2: Medication/Treatment
Taking medication is not a shameful thing. It can be necessary. Treating ADD/ADHD with medication is the same as dressing a wound after surgery.
We coach our clients through what can be a difficult, emotionally-trying decision.
To determine the right type of medication for a child’s condition, parents must consult their treating physician.
Phase 3: Modification
We teach parents and educators how to achieve behavior modification through disciplinary actions.Contrary to popular opinion, discipline does not have to be a negative experience for everyone involved. Sequences for children’s behavior can be positive OR negative, not exclusively negative.
We empower our clients with various common-sense methods of teaching and enforcing expectations without alienating the children.
Phase 4: Monitoring
After overseeing the implementation of the behavioral modification techniques, we teach our clients to use our proven system of monitoring the changes, both at home and at school.
Phase 5: Mentoring
The final phase of the program focuses on parental accountability and support.
During this phase, parents attend monthly accountability meetings with a member of our team.
Our mentors give recommendations on different ways to aid in the transitional periods of adolescence.
© Initiative 4:13, LLC 2019
Our Mission
Mental disorders are a growing concern in the United States. Symptoms of mental disorders start in adolescence, but often go undetected and misdiagnosed. Children with ADD/ADHD who are not properly treated often have learning difficulties in school and can later start to self-medicate by abusing alcohol and drugs. Learn More
Social Impact
Our goal is to create a positive impact on children by destigmatizing ADD/ADHD and other mental disorders. To accomplish our goal, we plan to teach children the necessary life skills to grow their confidence and self-esteem.
We also aim to empower parents of children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and other mental illnesses to view their children's conditions as a gift; not a curse.
© Initiative 4:13, LLC 2019
Coexisting Conditions of ADD
25%
have Mood Disorders
Mood disorders include mild depression or dysthymia. Children with ADD suffer from depression due to constant let downs which affects their sense of worth and self-confidence.
20%
Suffer from Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder and ADD share common traits. They are both characterized by manic-depressive behaviors and are hereditary. Children diagnosed with early onset bipolar disorder experience severe emotional highs and lows and states of mania.
60%
Abuse drugs and ALCOHOL
Undiagnosed and untreated ADD/ADHD can lead to substance abuse, which is a form of self-medication. Forty percent of adults who have ADD/ADHD abuse alcohol. Twenty percent abuse drugs.
© Initiative 4:13, LLC 2019