Listen & Subscribe on Your Platform of Choice:
ADHD Tips, Tricks and Information
Diving into what ADHD is - from a diagnostic perspective and our clinical experience. Then jumping into some strategies, including neurofeedback, changing the environment, working on executive functioning, and MORE!
Links
Looking for more in-depth help? Sign up for 2-on-1 Mentoring With Us!!
Improving Focus and Behavior in the Classroom Digital Course
All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram
Harkla Website- Shop Sensory Products!
Ep. 80 Interview with Michael Klinkner
Bonus Ep. Interview with Melanie Henstrom
Ep. 176 Interview with Karen Pryor
Ep. 137 Sensory Sleep Strategies
Article - ADHD in Children and Youth
ADHD: Intervention Strategies for School-Based OTs and SLPs
Research - Blue Food Dye and ADHD
Research - The Influence of Diet on ADHD
Research - Dietary Sensitivity and ADHD Symptoms
Check out our video on 6 Strategies for ADHD
ADHD Tips, Tricks And Information
Navigating ADHD in children can feel overwhelming, whether you're a parent or an occupational therapist. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by challenges with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
However, with the right strategies, children with ADHD can thrive in all areas of life. This article provides practical tips rooted in research and experience for supporting children with ADHD at home, in therapy, and beyond.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is defined by the DSM-5 as a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that negatively impacts daily functioning. ADHD often coexists with conditions like learning disabilities, anxiety, or sensory processing challenges.
Key ADHD Stats:
-
Impacts 10% of school-aged children in the U.S.
-
Diagnosed 3–5 times more in boys than girls.
-
Persists into adulthood in 35–65% of cases.
Important Note: ADHD symptoms must occur in multiple settings (e.g., home, school) and significantly impair daily activities.
1. Start With The Basics: Holistic And Environmental Adjustments
For Parents:
-
Screen Time Limits: Excessive screen time can worsen ADHD symptoms by overstimulating the brain.
-
Dietary Changes: Remove artificial dyes (e.g., Red 40), flavors, and processed foods. Introduce nutrient-rich meals with adequate protein.
-
Sleep Hygiene: Establish a consistent bedtime routine. Poor sleep mimics ADHD symptoms.
For Therapists:
-
Encourage families to create sensory-friendly environments by reducing clutter and using calming tools like weighted blankets.
-
Collaborate with parents to establish toxin-free routines in cleaning and food choices.
2. Harness Movement And Sensory Integration
Children with ADHD often struggle with sensory processing. Activities that meet their sensory needs can dramatically improve focus and behavior.
Top Recommendations:
-
Brain Gym & BAL-A-VIS-X Programs: Enhance motor coordination, timing, and attention.
-
Sensory Breaks: Integrate movement throughout the day, such as jumping, swinging, or yoga.
Tips for Therapists: Create personalized sensory diets tailored to a child’s specific needs, ensuring these activities are practical and achievable in home or school environments.
3. Develop Executive Functioning Skills
Children with ADHD often struggle with executive functioning, such as planning, organizing, and sustaining attention.
Practical Tools:
-
Visual Schedules: Help children anticipate daily tasks with images or charts.
-
Timers: Use visual or auditory timers to guide transitions and focus.
-
Lists & Checklists: Encourage children to mark off completed tasks for a sense of accomplishment.
Therapists’ Role: Train parents and educators to use these tools consistently while incorporating them into therapy sessions.
4. Emphasize Emotional Regulation And Mindfulness
Teaching children to manage their emotions can improve behavior and attention.
Activities For All Settings:
-
Breath Work: Techniques like “smell the flowers, blow out the candles” or five-finger breathing.
-
Mindful Body Awareness: Guide children to notice how each part of their body feels.
Why It Works: These practices strengthen the connection between the brain and body, improving emotional control over time.
5. Consider Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions First
Research supports using behavioral training and sensory-based interventions as the first step, especially for younger children.
For Parents: Parent training programs teach effective behavior management strategies tailored to their child’s age.
For Therapists: Incorporate neuroplasticity techniques like neurofeedback or metronome therapy to support brain development.
Final Takeaway: Build A Collaborative Plan
Children with ADHD thrive when their support systems (parents, therapists, and educators) work together. Remember:
-
Celebrate small successes to build motivation.
-
Assume positive intent—children are doing their best with the tools they have.
-
Focus on teaching, not punishment, to help them grow.
Empathy and consistency are key.
BORING, BUT NECESSARY LEGAL DISCLAIMERS
While we make every effort to share correct information, we are still learning. We will double check all of our facts but realize that medicine is a constantly changing science and art. One doctor / therapist may have a different way of doing things from another. We are simply presenting our views and opinions on how to address common sensory challenges, health related difficulties and what we have found to be beneficial that will be as evidenced based as possible. By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or your children. Consult your child’s pediatrician/ therapist for any medical issues that he or she may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any guests or contributors to the podcast. Under no circumstances shall Rachel Harrington, Harkla, Jessica Hill, or any guests or contributors to the podcast, as well as any employees, associates, or affiliates of Harkla, be responsible for damages arising from use of the podcast.
Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
This podcast should not be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in a legal sense or as a basis for expert witness testimony. No guarantee is given regarding the accuracy of any statements or opinions made on the podcast.
1 Response
Hello! I love your podcast and find it very informative! I started listening to it because I have ADHD, and am finding that I have a lot of sensory issues that go along with that. I am a 41yo woman. I think your podcast is extremely helpful for adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD, ASD or sensory issues as adults. For many many of us, proper diagnosis was not available to us as children. This is a side note, separate from what I am really here to talk about, but I think your podcast could improve by addressing these issues as experience by all ages, not just children.
Back to the main event.
Please know that the following is meant to be helpful, encouraging and empowering. I have the greatest respect for your work and only hope through my comments to bring further education and greater understanding, and ultimately to support the important work that you are doing.
It is my personal opinion that you should take this episode down.
While the information is factual as presented by the DSM, there is a lot of controversy about the definition of ADHD in the DSM currently. The controversy stems from the fact that the definition was ONLY developed to diagnose CHILDREN, and because of further scientific research, it is now found to be significantly faulty in it’s description of the disorder.
I base this statement on the sentiments of Dr. Russell A Barkley, author of “Taking Charge of Adult ADHD, 2nd Edition.”
Dr. Barkley was part of the committee that originally wrote the ADHD definition for the DSM. He personally now states that it is incorrect and needs to be modified.
In my recent reading I have discovered A LOT of overlap between ADHD, ASD and sensory issues. It is my opinion that it is damaging to say that ADHD and sensory issues are distinct from each other. Sensory issues are part of ADHD, and current scientific research continues to support this.
I absolutely love that you put out an episode about ADHD (and I was very excited to listen to it), because it is an important thing to address when discussing sensory issues. However, I strongly feel that the evidence you provided was simply too cursory. It appears factual and relevant on the surface, however the surface information is simply faulty and unhelpful.
I highly recommend these two books:
“ADHD 2.0” by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D., and John J. Ratey, M.D.
“Taking Charge of Adult ADHD, 2nd Edition” by Russell A. Barkley, PHD
These two books will give you a much more well-rounded sense of ADHD. “ADHD 2.0” in particular will give you a GREAT sense of how ADHD and sensory issues intertwine.
If you choose to read these two books, after you do so, I would be very excited to hear a new episode about ADHD and sensory issues!
But until then, I strongly feel you should take this episode down. The information will only misinform and send people with ADHD and sensory issues in the wrong direction.
Thank you for your time and attention!
Please continue the good work!!
~Jessamyn Land
Leave a Comment