What Is Therapy for ADHD?
Therapy is part of the treatment for most kids and teens diagnosed with ADHD. Kids have meetings with a therapist to help with the problems that ADHD can cause.
In therapy, kids learn skills like listening and paying attention better.
Some kids with ADHD also get another type of therapy called occupational therapy. This helps when things like balance or handwriting are difficult because of ADHD or a learning disability.
Treatment for ADHD usually includes medicine. Medicines help kids pay attention, use self-control, and fidget less. Medicine works best when kids also have therapy.
Why Do Kids Need Therapy for ADHD?
Therapy helps kids with ADHD do better in school and at home. For example, they learn how to:
Organization Skills
Learn to be better organized with schoolwork, belongings, and daily routines.
Focus & Attention
Focus on schoolwork and listen and pay attention better.
Social Skills
Get along better with others and improve social interactions.
Behavior Management
Have fewer behavior problems and better self-control.
Some kids need therapy to help ease difficult emotions caused by ADHD. For example, kids might lose confidence or feel like they're disappointing others. Some kids become depressed, anxious, angry, or frustrated.
When kids learn skills to manage ADHD, they do better. Therapy also helps kids feel happier and more confident.
How Does ADHD Therapy Work?
In ADHD therapy, kids learn by doing. A therapist will share activities and ideas that focus on building the skills a child or teen needs.
Skills Taught in Therapy
- • Study skills to help with schoolwork
- • Emotion skills to manage feelings
- • Attention skills, such as mindful breathing
- • Social skills to help kids get along better with others
- • Anxiety coping skills to manage worry and stress
Kids practice the skills they learn. In ADHD therapy, a positive relationship with the therapist helps kids feel encouraged and supported as they learn.
Family Involvement
Depending on the child's age, a therapist might meet with the child and parent together, or with the child alone. When parents work with kids in therapy sessions, they learn tips and ideas for keeping up the lessons at home.
Parents can help kids use and practice what they learn. Kids build confidence and self-esteem as they master new skills.
What Happens in ADHD Therapy?
At the beginning, your child's therapist will talk with you and ask questions. Listening to your answers helps the therapist learn more about your child. Together you will make goals for what you want to improve.
Parents and kids usually meet with the therapist once a week for a few months.
Talking and Listening
Therapists teach kids to talk about their feelings. This helps kids notice their feelings and express them in words instead of actions. Talking and listening helps kids feel understood and ready to learn. It also helps kids learn to pay attention and listen better.
Playing with a Purpose
For young kids, play can teach self-control — like waiting to take a turn. Therapists might use games that teach kids to slow down, follow directions, and try again instead of losing their temper or giving up. Play is also a way for kids to learn how to plan, organize, and put things away.
Activities That Teach Lessons
Therapists might teach lessons about emotions, organizing schoolwork, studying, or understanding others. Activities and worksheets help make these lessons fun.
Practicing New Skills
A therapist might teach kids skills like mindfulness and breathing exercises. These skills can train attention and calm the mind and body. Therapy sessions can be a time to practice these skills.
Problem Solving
Therapists will ask about ADHD problems in school and at home. They will talk together with kids and parents about how to work out these problems.
How Long Do Kids Do ADHD Therapy?
How long therapy lasts will depend on your goals. Most of the time, a therapist will want to meet with your child once a week for a few months. The duration may vary based on:
- • The specific goals you and your child are working toward
- • Your child's progress and response to therapy
- • The severity of ADHD symptoms
- • Whether your child is also taking medication
- • Consistency in attending sessions and practicing skills
How Can Parents Help?
Having ADHD isn't a child's — or a parent's — fault. But there are things that children and parents can learn in therapy to help things get better.
Find the Right Therapist
Find a therapist your child feels comfortable with. Ask your child's health care team to help you find one. Or go to the CHADD website to find someone near you.
Attend All Visits
Take your child to all recommended visits. Learning new skills is a habit that kids need to keep up until they master it. Consistency is key to success.
Work with the Therapist
Work with your child's therapist on how to best respond to ADHD behaviors. Learn the strategies they're teaching your child so you can support them at home.
Practice at Home
Ask how you can help your child practice at home. Are there games you can play or skills you can help your child learn? Practice between sessions helps reinforce what's learned in therapy.
Parent with Patience and Warmth
Parent with patience and warmth. Remember that ADHD is a real condition that makes certain things harder for your child. Be understanding, patient, and supportive as they learn new skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is therapy alone enough, or does my child need medication too?
A: For many children with ADHD, a combination of therapy and medication works best. Medication can help with attention and impulse control, while therapy teaches skills for managing ADHD symptoms. However, some children do well with therapy alone, especially if symptoms are mild. Work with your child's healthcare provider to determine the best treatment approach.
Q: What's the difference between therapy and occupational therapy for ADHD?
A: Regular therapy (often cognitive-behavioral therapy) focuses on teaching skills like organization, attention, emotion management, and social skills. Occupational therapy helps with physical and motor skills, like handwriting, balance, and coordination. Both can be helpful for children with ADHD, depending on their specific needs.
Q: How do I know if therapy is working?
A: You should see progress in the areas you're working on. This might include better organization, improved attention, fewer behavior problems, better social interactions, or improved emotional regulation. Your child's therapist should regularly check in with you about progress and adjust goals as needed. It may take several weeks to see noticeable improvements.
Q: What if my child doesn't want to go to therapy?
A: It's common for children to be reluctant at first. Try to explain therapy in a positive way, emphasizing that it's a place to learn skills that will help them. Finding the right therapist your child feels comfortable with is important. Sometimes starting with parent sessions and gradually including the child can help. Work with the therapist on strategies to make therapy more engaging for your child.
Key Takeaways
Skills-Based Learning
Therapy teaches practical skills for managing ADHD
Family Involvement
Parents play a crucial role in supporting therapy
Works Best with Medication
Therapy combined with medication often works best
⚠️ Important Note
This article provides general information and is not intended to replace professional medical or mental health advice. If you think your child might have ADHD, consult with your child's pediatrician or a qualified mental health professional for evaluation and treatment recommendations. Therapy should be provided by qualified, trained professionals.