SHARES
After doing a bit of research on hyperactivity disorder, it is visible that one way to engage children with ADHD is via Occupational Therapy. It actually goes a long way in helping treat the disorder and get the kids back on track.
It is seen that children diagnosed with ADHD are often seen struggling with attention and focus on various areas in their day-to-day activities. Children with ADHD usually exhibit hyperactivity or impulsiveness, having trouble in following directions etc. The effect of these inabilities can be all-embracing on a child’s achievements in school, overall self-esteem and in relationships.
How can occupational therapy (OT) help a child with ADHD?
Specialists who work with children in helping them develop their executive functioning skills and also improve their self-regulation are Occupational Therapists and Occupational Therapy is the method by which it is done, usually referred to as TO. By coaching children the tactics to address the challenging areas (self-regulation and executive functioning skills), occupational therapists allow them to be more self-assured and independent.
- Self-Regulation:This refers to a person’s ability to Recognize and alter their level of alertness. Understanding the current ability to be safe, pay attention, be safe, and also interact with others is something that comes naturally to adults, usually. However when we are tired and are trying to be attentive at a long meeting, most of us tell our minds (sometimes subconscious) to increase alertness – by tapping our feet, drinking coffee, or even washing the face. However, for some children, especially those with ADHD, it can be difficult to develop this skill by themselves. They need help in reading their own bodies and also choose approaches that can help them focus.
- Executive Functioning:Children with ADHD usually exhibit difficulty with executive functioning skills such as initiation, organization, switching between tasks, managing time, and solving problems. Occupational therapists usually work with children and also their families in order to identify how these challenges are affecting their daily lives. These areas are addressed in two ways; by helping the child to directly build those skill sets and also by working with the family and creating routines that emphasize the strengths of the child
What does an Occupational therapist do?
An occupational therapist basically helps children with ADHD, improve skills such as:
- Physical coordination
- Organization
- Ability to do everyday tasks – such as organize their school bag, take a shower, or make their bed – quickly and well
What are the methods followed?
An occupational therapist also checks whether the child has something called sensory processing disorder.
Children with ADHD at times have more trouble than their peers while processing sounds, sights, smells, and other things. But there is some confusion as to whether this is an actual disorder. Some paediatric institutions believe that sensory processing problems do exist, but it need not necessarily be considered a separate disorder.
Some sounds that we can hear every day such as the flushing of a toilet or the scream of a fire engine or an ambulance, do not bother most of us but for some children with ADHD, these sounds or even sights can overwhelm their senses.
Some children with this condition tend to pull away from too much stimulation. While there are others who desire even more. They are the ones who can spin and swing endlessly.
Occupational therapists use a technique referred to as sensory integrative therapy in order to help children with ADHD who have sensory processing disorder. In this technique, the therapist helps to rearrange the child’s sensory system using:
- Deep pressure, such as massages or also the use of a weighted vest or blanket
- Different textures for the child to touch
- Repetitive, rhythmic movements such as on a trampoline, swing, trampoline, or an exercise ball
- Listening therapy to help cope with sensitivity to sounds
Sensory therapy can be part of an overall treatment for ADHD which includes medicine and behaviour therapy.
The research on sensory processing disorder is still ongoing and new. There is some evidence however, that this technique can help improve issues like hyperactivity and impulsivity. But most experts think occupational therapy is the best in helping to treat weaknesses in organization and coordination which children with ADHD often have.
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by Hridya
A biochemist by education who could never put what she studied to good use, finally found GetDoc as a medium to do what she loved - bring information to people using a forum that is dedicated to all things medical. View all articles by Hridya.
