The Potential Benefits Of Occupational Therapy For People With ADHD

ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a mental health condition that can impact both children and adults. Symptoms of this form of neurodivergence—such as inattentiveness, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity—may disrupt various parts of everyday life. That said, there are treatment options available that may help individuals living with ADHD manage their symptoms and improve daily functioning. Occupational therapy (OT) is one lesser-known option that has the potential to be highly effective. See below for more information on OT and how it may help those experiencing ADHD symptoms.

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Defining ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a lifelong condition that typically presents in one of three ways: primarily hyperactive/impulsive, primarily inattentive, or a combined type.

Common symptoms across different categories

Common symptoms that can fall into one or more of these three categories include:

• Restlessness, fidgeting, and trouble sitting still
• Making impulsive choices without considering the consequences
• Feeling the need to always be on the go
• Trouble paying attention
• Being easily distracted
• Forgetfulness

Benefits of occupational therapy for personalized treatment

These symptoms can present in a variety of ways depending on the individual’s age, circumstances, ADHD presentation, and severity of symptoms. For example, a child with ADHD may experience high energy and trouble sitting still in a classroom setting, while an adult with ADHD may struggle to focus on detailed projects or meet deadlines at work. 

Understanding occupational therapy for ADHD

According to the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), occupational therapy involves a tailored intervention plan designed to help a specific individual more effectively approach and accomplish daily tasks. Occupational therapists are trained to support people facing various conditions and challenges, including ADHD.

How an occupational therapist can support individuals with ADHD

An OT appointment usually begins with an interview where the therapist will aim to understand the areas in which you’re having trouble. Then, they’ll design a treatment plan aimed at helping you improve functioning in these key areas and supporting you in reaching your goals. Examples of areas in which an occupational therapist might provide support for an individual with ADHD include:

• Crafting healthy routines
• Developing techniques to improve focus and minimize forgetfulness
• Cultivating skills related to time management and organization
• Sharpening social and interpersonal abilities
• Improving executive functioning
• Boosting self-efficacy and self-esteem

An occupational therapist tailors these strategies to suit each person’s needs, making the support highly individualized and relevant. Various studies support the potential effectiveness of occupational therapy for those living with ADHD. For example, a study published in 2020 suggests that women with ADHD who underwent a seven-week occupational therapy treatment experienced reduced stress levels as well as “enhanced perceived performance of and satisfaction with desired occupational roles.” 

Pediatric occupational therapy for ADHD

Occupational therapy is available for both adults and children. Pediatric OT for ADHD involves a specialized approach aimed at helping children develop essential skills, and it’s usually part of a multifaceted approach. This means the occupational therapist may work collaboratively with the child, their family, and other healthcare professionals to address the unique challenges the child may be facing as a result of ADHD.

Occupational therapists may focus on enhancing a child’s abilities related to sensory processing, self-regulation, and executive functioning. These interventions often involve engaging activities that promote concentration, impulse control, and organization. By incorporating play-based strategies and adaptive techniques, pediatric occupational therapy can empower children with ADHD to build confidence, resilience, and the skills necessary to succeed in various aspects of their lives as they grow.

Adult occupational therapy for ADHD

In adult occupational therapy for ADHD, the therapist will collaborate directly with clients to identify specific challenges with daily functioning and then develop ways to address them. OT strategies for adults with ADHD tend to focus on improving things like time management abilities, organizational skills, and work performance. Examples of these techniques may include: 

1. Leveraging visual reminders and cues. Incorporating visual cues such as maps, schedules, and calendars into one’s daily routine may help with organization skills and memory enhancement. 
2. Simplifying tasks. An occupational therapist may also teach a person with ADHD strategies on how to break projects down into smaller steps to help with focus and motivation.
3. Practicing grounding exercises. Incorporating mindfulness techniques can help a person stay present and manage stress. To this end, an OT provider might teach their client to engage in mindful activities that require focused attention—like identifying objects of different colors in the room—to extend focus outward and alleviate stress.

The overall goal of OT for adults with ADHD is to equip individuals with the tools and strategies they need to navigate their responsibilities, relationships, and personal pursuits more effectively,

Additional ADHD treatment options

Occupational therapy is just one of a number of possible treatment options that individuals with ADHD can explore. If you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s generally recommended that you meet with a doctor or therapist for advice. In addition to OT, medication and lifestyle changes may also be recommended, and some form of talk therapy—such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—is usually a component of comprehensive treatment as well. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy and support from occupational therapists for managing ADHD

CBT is a method that aims to help individuals learn to recognize and shift distorted thought patterns. A cognitive behavioral therapist can also support you in cultivating healthy techniques for managing emotions, developing strategies for addressing symptoms, and exploring other methods for healthy living with ADHD.

While it was formerly only administered in person, there has been a rise in the popularity of online talk therapy in recent years, including online CBT. Many people find online therapy to be more convenient and comfortable than traditional in-person sessions, since it allows clients to meet with a licensed therapist remotely from anywhere with an internet connection. A growing body of research supports the efficacy of online therapy, with various studies suggesting that it may offer similar benefits to in-person care.