The markers for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, include difficulty concentrating, trouble following directions, restlessness, and impulsivity.
There are three types of ADHD: primarily inattentive, primarily hyperactive/impulsive, and a combination of both. A child who is mostly inattentive might find the chaos of team sports too overwhelming and loud, while a child with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD may find activities that involve a lot of waiting around (softball or T-ball, for instance) are too tough to handle.
Here are some tips and activities you can try with kids with ADHD
Try Something Active
"Physical activity in general is very beneficial to kids with ADHD," says psychologist Mark Stein, Ph.D., director of the PEARL Clinic (Program to Enhance Attention, Regulation, and Learning) at Seattle Children's Hospital. "I often recommend that they do an aerobic activity three to four times a week. Exercise helps attention, and it improves self-esteem."
Pay Attention to Timing
Many children with ADHD are about three years behind their peers, emotionally speaking, according to a study from the National Institute of Mental Health, so you might want to consider younger child activities, if that's an option. Remember: don’t push if it isn’t working.
Avoid Chaotic Settings
Sometimes crowds, or a loud noise level can make it difficult for the child to focus on what he or she is doing. Stick to small groups in reasonably controlled settings when you can. "When you have a child with ADHD it's tough, socially," Tringali says. "You really want to consciously pick the activities that will help your child develop the skills he's working on."
And here’s a fun activity to do with your buddy:
Scavenger hunt: you can make them as simple or complex as you want to. You can organize your hunt so that it requires your buddy to walk up and down the stairs of their house multiple times to help burn off some energy and also get him or her to climb over items (pillows, beds, the couch, etc.) and squeeze into hard-to-reach areas to make it extra challenging. A scavenger hunt can also be outside in his backyard or even in the park.
All content on this post, including opinions and any other health-related information, is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions or concerns make sure to ask your buddy parent’s first. Make sure to carry with you your buddy’s emergency card at all time.