According to United Healthcare, ADHD stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, which causes such things as difficulty focusing, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. The CDC gives us a few hints as to whether this might be something your child struggles with. Common behaviors include frequent daydreaming, forgetfulness, fidgeting, excessive talking, impulsivity, and difficulty waiting turns or getting along with others. Individuals may struggle to stay organized and focused, complete tasks, follow instructions, or pay attention to details. As always, we recommend talking to a medical professional before beginning any sort of treatment, but here are a few resources that aren’t medication to aid you and your child on the journey of becoming the best version of themselves!
LOCAL PROGRAMS
With locations all over the U.S., Brain Balance offers brain training, personalized nutrition services, and personal coaching to help your child improve focus, anxiety and behavior. The online program BrainWorx is known for helping thousands of both adults and children. Their natural approach focuses on reducing anxiety, developing emotional regulation, and fostering focus, learning and joy.
EDUCATION AND SUPPORT
Here are a few of our favorite educational resources that offer understanding and real-life solutions dealing with ADHD. Parenting ADHD Podcast offers weekly insights and actionable strategies on parenting neurodivergent kids. Hacking Your ADHD shares practical tips on working with ADHD to do more of the things you want to do. ADHD Aha! features the unexpected and emotional stories of when both kids and adults understood that their ADHD was real.
TOYS AND GAMES
Toys can play a powerful role in supporting children with ADHD by promoting focus, movement, and problem-solving. Such toys as a mini trampoline or The Sturdy Birdy game offer a fun way to release excess energy and improve coordination and body awareness, which can help with attention and regulation. Other brainy games, such as snap circuits and Rubik’s cube engage kids in hands-on learning and building concentration and problem-solving skills.
TOOLS
There are countless tools available to help your child manage attention, increase focus, and bring about more structure in daily habits. Such tools as weighted blankets and noise-cancelling headphones can help improve focus and regulate the nervous system. Other tools like responsibility charts or Brili Routines can help create schedules, guide routines, and build independence.