These are some of my go-to strategies to help kids with ADHD. I have included a mix of tools to use in the school and home setting. Be sure to always connect with the child’s teacher to see how these tools can be implemented in the classroom.
1.Weighted stuffed animal and blanket. I’ve heard before the urge to move that kids with ADHD feel can sometimes be like, “electricity running up and down my legs.” What an uncomfortable sensation! No wonder they jump up and want to move their legs. Keeping a weighted object on a child’s lap can help relieve these symptoms and keep them seated for important things such as assessments and classwork. Here is my favorite weighted child blanket and stuffed animal.
2. Fidget toys. Companies have gotten so creative in making fidget toys. It’s important to teach your child when and where it is appropriate to utilize these toys as they can quickly lose their privilege of using them in the classroom. Here is a great 50 piece fidget toy set from Amazon.
3. Movement break. All kids NEED movement breaks throughout the day. That is why I’m a huge proponent of not removing recess as a form of punishment. Kids with ADHD need even more scheduled movement breaks sometimes. To keep it structured make sure to time the movement break so the child knows it is just to help them regulate before returning back to their task. I have kept schedules before of doing work for 20 minutes followed by a 5 minute jumping jacks break.
4. Changing diet. Simple carbohydrates such as sugar, sweets and artificial coloring “clog up” the nervous system of someone with ADHD. These are considered fast burning sugars and at first give kids with ADHD bursts of energy but end up making them feel sluggish and out of it throughout the day. It can be hard to make these changes in a child’s diet but start replacing some of these foods with healthier alternatives such as fruit, nuts and cheese.
5. Wiggle chairs/Exercise bands. Putting exercise bands on the legs of chairs in the classroom have been lifesavers for teachers trying to keep their students seated. It helps provide the movement kids with ADHD need while also keeping them focused and in one location. A quick Google search will show you many results on types of wiggle chairs and exercise bands to put around a student’s chair.
6. Visual cue cards for desired behaviors. Just telling a child to “pay attention! stop moving!” can be hard if they have ADHD as they are not accustomed to their body being in these states. Visual cards such as these are helpful for kids to follow and copy.
7. Sensory tools. Perhaps you’ve already heard of slime and maybe are dreading it as a useful sensory tool for ADHD. I found this website with helpful sensory tools that are great alternatives to slime. It includes things like pine cones, kinetic sand, play-doh, etc.
8. Building mindfulness. Mindfulness is a tool that will keep getting built throughout the years even into adulthood. The reason why mindfulness helps with ADHD is the idea that kids can become more attuned to their symptoms so when they start to get the inkling of feeling distracted or inattentive they can implement coping strategies trying to get their focus back. You can read about some mindfulness strategies here and here.
9. Learning how to ask for help. Kids with ADHD often struggle with confidence and try to problem solve their issues on their own. Let’s normalize kids asking for help as a healthy way of communicating their needs. If they prefer not to do it in front of the class I have worked with students and teachers to come up with code signals or phrases letting the teacher know they need help.
10. Affirm, affirm, affirm. Too many times I hear adults with ADHD saying all they heard growing up is, “Just do better. Just pay attention. Just think more.” As working adults now they struggle with things like imposter syndrome and workplace anxiety feeling they always have to prove themselves and if people “really knew me they would think the worst of me.” Imagine if they had been told things like, “You are capable. You are hard-working. You are smart.”
Helpful Healer 