Navigating ADHD: How Occupational Therapy Supports Children in Their Journey
Many children are diagnosed with ADHD. If your child is one of them, you are no doubt eager to find ways to support them and improve their quality of life. Occupational therapy for ADHD can be significantly beneficial for many toddlers, children, and teenagers.
Occupational therapy can play a pivotal role in enhancing children’s development and overall well-being. There is a focus on engagement, daily activities, behaviour, and education to help them towards independence, happiness, and productivity. Our experienced and friendly occupational therapists in Newcastle at Nest Health Hub are dedicated to addressing a wide range of challenges that may be impacting your child’s daily life.
If your child has ADHD, there can be a range of challenges involved for them and your family. At Nest Health Hub, we can provide support and a personalised program involving a variety of occupational therapy activities for ADHD.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects children of all ages. It is characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can impact various aspects of their life.
Children with ADHD may struggle with aspects such as:
Staying focused.
Completing tasks.
Following instructions.
Organisation.
Managing their behaviour and impulses.
Memory.
Turn-taking.
Socialisation and engagement.
These challenges can affect their academic performance, social interactions, and overall functioning. ADHD can vary in complexity and presentation and may extend into adolescence and adulthood if not properly managed.
How Can Occupational Therapy Help Children With ADHD?
Your child’s occupational therapist will provide a thorough assessment of your child’s needs, background, and goals. From there, they will develop a personalised program to support them towards managing their ADHD. Interventions that your child’s occupational therapist may put in place are based on evidence-based techniques, methods, and resources. These can target various needs related to their physical, cognitive, sensory, and emotional health and abilities to work towards positive development and growth.
Occupational therapy can help with challenges related to areas such as:
Sensory processing.
Fine and gross motor skills.
Social skills.
Self-care.
By developing and utilising relevant exercises and strategies, occupational therapy can empower your child, help to enhance their skills and abilities and promote overall well-being.
Occupational Therapy Activities For ADHD
There are various ways occupational therapy can support your child. We will develop the most appropriate plan for their requirements based on what areas are challenging for them. Interventions that may be involved in their care may include options such as:
Sensory Processing
Lifestyle changes, such as using seamless clothing.
A calm area at school and home.
Fine and Gross Motor Skills
Exercises and activities that target factors such as hand-eye coordination, hand strength and dexterity, balance, and core strength.
Self-Regulation
Visual tools that represent different emotions, which connect to relevant strategies and coping mechanisms.
Organisation and Planning
Visual resources that can assist them with their daily routines, such as schedules, calendars, and checklists.
Play-based activities that encourage them to improve prioritisation and sequencing.
Colour-coded labels or folders for schoolwork.
Time-management strategies and devices.
Independence
Strategies to break tasks into more manageable parts.
Checklists.
Repetition.
Activities that promote knowledge and skills related to daily tasks and self-care, such as food preparation, getting dressed, and maintaining good hygiene.
How Can You Help Your Child With ADHD?
Family members play a vital role in supporting children with ADHD in combination with occupational therapy. Ways you can help may include:
Establish routines
Consistent routines provide structure and predictability, which can benefit children with ADHD. Your child’s occupational therapist can help you create a daily schedule that includes tasks such as mealtimes, homework, relaxation, and physical activities.
Create an organised environment
By organising your child's surroundings and reducing distractions, you can help them with factors such as sensory processing, productivity, and self-regulation.
Encourage breaks and physical activity
Regular breaks and physical activity can help manage ADHD symptoms.
Provide positive reinforcement
When you recognise and celebrate your child's efforts and progress, no matter how small, you can motivate and encourage them.
Offer emotional support
Showing patience and understanding, encouraging self-advocacy skills, and helping with coping strategies can help children manage their emotions and stress.
Occupational Therapy At Nest Health Hub Can Support Your Child With ADHD
Children who have ADHD can face many challenges and difficulties. However, when positive interventions and support are put in place, they can lead fulfilling lives. Our occupational therapists are committed to helping you and your child by implementing a variety of personalised techniques and approaches. If your child lives with ADHD and you are looking for ways to help them, please contact our friendly team to organise an initial consultation.
