Does your child struggle with sitting still, staying focused, or following directions at school? For some kids, the classroom can be an overwhelming place. But understanding what’s behind your child’s behavior can make all the difference to their success.
My name is Jennifer Hatch, and I am a pediatric occupational therapist here at Fluens Children’s Therapy. Today, I want to talk about something that comes up a lot at school, whether it’s in the classroom, at parent-teacher conferences, or even at home around the dinner table, and that’s ADHD.
What Exactly Is ADHD?
So first off, what is ADHD? ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a neurological condition that affects the way a child’s brain is wired. It impacts their attention, their regulation, their ability to sit still, and their impulses. It’s really an executive functioning disorder.
How ADHD Affects Kids at School
ADHD looks different in every child, but it mostly becomes apparent at school. That’s where they’re expected to sit down, listen to the teacher, sit still, attend to their work, and do their homework. A kiddo with ADHD is really going to struggle in that setting.
Focus and Attention
Focus and attention are big challenges for kids with ADHD. They may have a hard time staying on task, listening to the teacher, and following directions. And remember, this might not be something they can control. It’s not necessarily bad behavior. This is a neurological condition. It’s the way their brain is wired. It’s just who they are, and they cannot help it.
Impulsivity and Emotional Regulation
You might also notice impulsivity in the classroom. That’s where a kid is shouting out answers, interrupting teachers and peers, or acting without thinking. Another challenge is emotional regulation. If a child isn’t in a well-regulated state, they’re not going to learn well.
Executive Functioning Challenges
Because ADHD is an executive functioning disorder, it impacts a child’s ability to manage things and prioritize tasks. This might look like forgetting their homework at school or leaving things at home that they need for the day.
That ability to plan, organize, and carry out tasks is really challenging for them. And that can turn into difficulties with emotional regulation. They forgot their homework at school, and now they just feel so disappointed in themselves, and it’s this huge deal. When really, being able to remember to bring their homework is one of those things they can’t control in the first place.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Sometimes, the impact of ADHD is invisible. It might seem like a child isn’t trying, but the reality is that they’re often trying twice as hard as their peers. Occupational therapy can help address these executive functioning challenges. We can teach kids tips and tricks to help them stay organized, remember what they need, and navigate school more successfully.
Strategies to Support Kids with ADHD
There are several tools and strategies that can help kids with ADHD thrive:
- Provide structure and clear routines. You definitely want to have structure and clear routines, something that kids can get used to so that their daily activities become habitual.
- Give movement breaks. Activities like pushing against a wall or carrying something heavy help to get their body moving and get that brain juice flowing.
- Use visual reminders. Visual schedules and visual timers help kiddos grasp the concept of time and remind them of the things they need to do each day. And when the timer goes off, we’re all done with whatever we were doing.
- Offer positive reinforcement. Giving kids rewards when you see the behavior that you’re wanting to see from them is going to be really key for their growth as well.
- Get involved with your child’s education. My best advice for you if you have a kiddo with ADHD who might be struggling in the school system is this: stay connected with your child’s teacher. Ask about a 504 plan or an IEP plan. Make sure your kiddo has what they need within the school system so they can thrive.
Call Fluens Children’s Therapy for Expert Support
If you’re feeling lost, confused, or not sure where to go, we can help. We can get you scheduled for an occupational therapy evaluation to see how we might be able to support your child.
ADHD is very prevalent in kids today. I’d say 50% of the kiddos I work with, if not more, have a diagnosis of ADHD. If you have any questions, give us a call at 253-212-3502, and we’ll be happy to talk with you about setting up an evaluation.