Therapy for ADHD

What Is Therapy for ADHD?

Therapy is part of the treatment for most kids and teens diagnosed with ADHD. Kids have meetings with a therapist to help with the problems that ADHD can cause.

In therapy, kids learn skills like listening and paying attention better.

Some kids with ADHD also get another type of therapy called occupational therapy. This helps when things like balance or handwriting are difficult because of ADHD or a learning disability.

Treatment for ADHD usually includes medicine. Medicines help kids pay attention, use self-control, and fidget less. Medicine works best when kids also have therapy.

Why Do Kids Need Therapy for ADHD?

Therapy for kids with ADHD helps them do better in school and at home. For example, they learn how to:

• be better organized
• focus on schoolwork
• listen and pay attention better
• get along better with others
• have fewer behavior problems

Some kids need therapy to help ease difficult emotions caused by ADHD. For example, kids might lose confidence or feel like they're disappointing others. Some kids become depressed, anxious, angry, or frustrated.

When kids learn skills to manage ADHD, they do better. Therapy also helps kids feel happier and more confident.

How Does ADHD Therapy Work?

With ADHD therapy for kids, they learn by doing. A therapist will share activities and ideas that focus on building the skills a child or teen needs. Therapists can teach:

• study skills
• emotion skills
• attention skills, such as mindful breathing
• social skills to help kids get along better with others
• skills to cope with anxiety

In ADHD therapy, a positive relationship with the therapist helps kids feel encouraged and supported as they learn.

Does ADHD Therapy Vary by Age?

Depending on the child's age, a therapist might meet with the child and parent together, or with the child alone. When parents work with kids in therapy sessions, they learn tips and ideas for keeping up the lessons at home.

Parents can help kids use and practice what they learn. Kids build confidence and self-esteem as they master new skills.

What Happens in ADHD Therapy?

At the beginning, your child's therapist will talk with you and ask questions. Listening to your answers helps the therapist learn more about your child. Together you will make goals for what you want to improve.

Parents and kids usually meet with the therapist once a week for a few months.

ADHD Therapy Activities

Therapy sessions include activities like:

• Talking and listening. Therapists teach kids to talk about their feelings. This helps kids notice their feelings and express them in words instead of actions. Talking and listening helps kids feel understood and ready to learn. It also helps kids learn to pay attention and listen better.
• Playing with a purpose. For young kids, play can teach self-control — like waiting to take a turn. Therapists might use games that teach kids to slow down, follow directions, and try again instead of losing their temper or giving up. Play is also a way for kids to learn how to plan, organize, and put things away.
• Doing activities that teach lessons. Therapists might teach lessons about emotions, organizing schoolwork, studying, or understanding others. Activities and worksheets help make these lessons fun.
• Practicing new skills. A therapist might teach kids skills like mindfulness and breathing exercises. These skills can train attention and calm the mind and body. Therapy sessions can be a time to practice these skills.
• Problem solving. Therapists will ask about ADHD problems in school and at home. They will talk together with kids and parents about how to work out these problems.

How Long Does Therapy Last?

How long therapy lasts will depend on your goals. Most of the time, a therapist will want to meet with your child once a week for a few months.

How Can Parents Help?

Having ADHD isn't a child's — or a parent's — fault. But you can play a big role in helping your child succeed.

Here’s what you can do:

• Find a therapist your child feels comfortable with. Ask your child's health care team to help you find one. You can also look at groups like CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) to find someone near you.
• Work with the therapist. Ask how to best respond to ADHD behaviors.
• Keep up with visits and medicine. Take your child to all recommended therapy sessions. Learning new skills is a habit that kids need to keep up until they master it. And if your child takes ADHD medicine, make sure to give the right dose at the right time.
• Offer support. Help kids practice at home and praise their effort. Let them know it’s OK to ask for help from you, teachers, and the therapist.
• Focus on strengths. To boost self-esteem, help kids spend time on things they enjoy and do well — like sports, music, or art.
• Promote healthy habits. Make sure your child gets exercise, healthy meals, and enough sleep. Encourage calming activities like deep breathing or mindfulness.
• Make time for fun.Play and movement help kids use energy in a positive way, making it easier to focus later.