The Severe Disruptive Disorders Program offers a range of superspecialized services for children aged 6 to 12 years with behaviour problems with or without an attention deficit disorder / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Day Hospital

The Day Hospital receives 24 children with severe behaviour problems with or without attention deficit disorder / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). An initial assessment is made to determine the child’s eligibility.

Services provided:

  • Half-day school activities: two staff members for 6 students per class
  • Interdisciplinary therapy
  • Individual and milieu therapy and social skills training to improve functioning at school, at home and in the community
  • Family therapy and home visits to evaluate and improve the child’s functioning and quality of life
  • Support and liaison services when children return to school

Outpatient Clinic

The Outpatient Clinic receives children who have been treated at the Day Hospital in order to continue follow-up, maintain progress, and reinforce skills.

Services provided:

  • Psychotherapy based on several approaches
  • Psychoeducation provided by staff from various disciplines
  • Family support to help the child adapt when back at school
  • Liaison and collaboration with partners such as schools, school boards and youth centres

Attention Deficit, with or without Hyperactivity, Disorder (ADHD) Outpatient Clinic

The ADHD Outpatient Clinic helps to clearly establish whether a child has attention deficit, with or without hyperactivity, disorder (ADHD) whether the child is responding adequately to medication. The ADHD clinic assesses comorbidities and learning disabilities.
The clinic also attempts to clearly define medication needs by determining the most effective medication and dosage.
It also helps children improve their self-esteem and their ability to function in society. Parents can also take a parenting skills program.

Services provided:

  • Introduction or optimization of pharmacological treatment
  • Psychological assessment
  • Assessment of intellectual and academic aptitude
  • Orthopedagogical assessments to diagnose learning disabilities; individual academic training; and sleep assessments, if necessary
  • Assessment of comorbid psychopathology
  • Psychoeducation on ADHD and cognitive behavioral therapy approaches for parents
  • Social skills training and day camp
  • Individual, family and group therapy sessions (cognitive behavioural therapy) Pharmacotherapy, music therapy, pet therapy and art therapy may be used in certain cases
  • Liaison with the school in the community.

Access to services

Access to the different services requires a doctor’s referral, which must be sent to the entry point of the Child Psychiatry Program by fax: 514-762-3041. For information: 514-761-6131, ext. 2067.

Research to better understand risk factors

Children can participate in research activities, such as pharmacogenetic studies, which aim to better understand the risk factors of attention deficit, with or without hyperactivity, disorder (ADHD) along with its etiology, treatment and pharmacogenetic components.