Occupational Therapy for ADHD

Behavioral therapy is not the only non-medical therapeutic approach that can help children with ADHD. Studies show that occupational therapy through strenuous exercise and deep pressure can reduce impulsivity, hyperactive behavior, and inattention among children. Occupational therapy is an approach that makes use of play, self-care, and work to promote healthy development and regain function after an accident or injury. Most people think that occupational therapy can only help adults. After all, children don't have "occupations" beyond learning and playing. However, an occupational therapist can evaluate how a child plays and performs at school and uses these activities to help a child overcome a disability like ADHD.

Occupational therapy is a very useful treatment for ADHD. Hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention are not always caused by a deficiency in neurotransmitters. It's common for children with ADHD symptoms to be suffering from an undiagnosed sensory processing disorder - a neurological condition that makes children hyper-sensitive to sensory stimulation like light, touch, sound, and movement. They may react violently when they encounter these uncomfortable sensations. Or they could be so distracted by a certain stimulus, such as sound or movement, that they have difficulty paying attention.

A preliminary study by Temple University researchers discovered that ADHD symptoms can be reduced by using occupational therapy to address underlying sensory integration issues. The study involved 88 children who take ADHD medications and are clients at a Florida occupational therapy center. Among these children, 63 went through 40 one-hour sensory integration sessions, while 25 just took medication.

The techniques used by the researchers addressed the three basic sense systems. The vestibular system handles the sensation of movement and gravity, the tactile system regulates the sense of touch, while the proprioceptive system involves the child's awareness of his or her body in space. The therapies used in the study were tailor-fit to the child's symptoms and involved techniques like working with an exercise ball or playing with textured surfaces.

After six months, the study's authors noted significant improvements in visual auditory sensitivity, tactile sensitivity, and other sensory-avoiding behaviors among the children who received treatment. They were able to pay attention at school despite noisy classmates, had an easier time playing with other children, and could participate in family activities with ease. On the other hand, the children who did not receive occupational therapy showed no improvements after the study period. They were scheduled to receive sessions afterwards.

The great thing about occupational therapy is that many of the techniques can be continued by the parents at home. The researchers noticed that during this study, the parents were able to pick up a few techniques and could maintain their child's improved behavior afterwards. So if you think your child can benefit from this type of therapy, consider finding an occupational therapist near you.

Dr. Yannick Pauli is an expert on natural approaches to ADHD and the author of the popular self-help home-program The Unritalin Solution. He is Director of the Centre Neurofit in Lausanne, Switzerland and has a passion taking care of children with ADHD. Click on the link for more great information about what is adhd.

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