What is ADHD? A Guide for Support and Care
7 min read
As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. You see their creativity and curiosity—but maybe you’ve also noticed challenges with focus, sitting still or following directions. If you’ve ever wondered whether these behaviors might be more than just “being active,” you’re not alone.
This guide will walk you through the basics of ADHD, early signs and symptoms, and the impact it can have on children. Then we’ll go over sensory tools and strategies to support your kids with compassion to help them thrive.
What is ADHD?
ADHD Definition
ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a medical condition that affects the brain and how a person focuses, manages their impulses and stays still. Unlike common misperceptions, a child with ADHD is not misbehaving for the sake of misbehaving or being lazy.
While ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder, it can be recognized as a disability, too, particularly when it has a significant impact on one’s learning and daily life. However, having ADHD does not need to limit children. With the right tools and support, kids with ADHD can thrive and feel confident in their skills and abilities.
Early Signs of ADHD
While ADHD looks different in every child, there are some common signs you can keep an eye out for. If your child has difficulty focusing or following directions, is constantly moving, has emotional highs and lows, or struggles with impulsivity, then there is a possibility they have ADHD. There is a genetic component to consider as well. A child of a parent with ADHD may be more likely to have ADHD, too.
ADHD Symptoms by Age
Remember, all of these signs refer to behaviors beyond the norm for children their age. Even if a child displays some of these symptoms, they may not have ADHD. If you suspect your child may have ADHD, it’s important to talk with a pediatrician or mental health professional. They can provide a proper diagnosis, if relevant, and help you build a support plan that fits your child’s needs.
Impact on Learning and Play
People often think of how ADHD affects learning, and forget that it can also impact a child’s play. Kids with ADHD can find it hard to focus, organize their work and remember instructions. These skills are important in learning environments as well as play situations.
Younger children, ages 4-7, may struggle to sit still during circle time or frequently interrupt others. They may need extra reminders to stay on task and keep track of all the steps of an activity. They also often get frustrated with things more quickly than expected, or not be able to take turns with peers.
Older kids, ages 8-12, often move from one activity to the next very quickly. They may forget about or rush through assignments, struggle with activities that require patience and act without thinking.
How to Support a Child With ADHD
As parents, you can do many things to support your child with ADHD, both in school and at home. Work together with any other caregivers in your child’s life to ensure consistent carryover. For the most success, keep your support strategies aligned with the symptoms of ADHD.
Establish structured routines to help your child feel safe and know what to expect. Visual timers and schedules are great tools to ease transitions and are easy to understand at a glance, making them perfect for those with trouble concentrating. Break larger tasks into smaller steps with clear instructions. This helps kids stay on track and increases their self-confidence, as well as the likelihood of completing a task.
Allowing time for movement breaks is a big part of many ADHD-friendly sensory routines. Let your child have a few minutes between activities to stand, stretch and move their bodies in a healthy, fun way. The boost of sensory input helps them refocus and come back to the activity feeling refreshed.
Remember—one of the common symptoms of ADHD is a tendency to get overwhelmed by large amounts of information. Maintain small, steady changes for the greatest benefit to your child.
Recommended ADHD Toys and Products
Our team of occupational therapists have designed and curated a collection of many sensory tools to support kids with ADHD. Check out these popular examples:
1. Fidgets
Playing with fidget tools is a great outlet for repetitive motion that helps calm an overstimulated nervous system. Kids can suction the Stick-On Fidget Brushesto many surfaces for a quiet, discreet way to fidget. TheStretch Me Chair Fidget is another popular choice for silent fidgeting. Easily slide the fidget onto the legs of a chair if your child is a compulsive foot-tapper, or use your hands to stretch it as far as you can.
2. Puzzles and Building Sets
These types of sets are great for boosting problem solving skills and attention to task. You can keep kids engaged by choosing something with just the right challenge. Our Busy Fingers™ Tangram Gel Puzzleis a fun way for children to exercise their creativity as they try to create a variety of images using the gel shapes. For a 3D challenge, offer theMagnetic Puzzle Fidget. It takes focus to fit the pieces together to form a cube or kids can let their imaginations loose and build something else.
3. Interactive Games
Look for games that involve turn-taking, memory or following a sequence of steps to practice self-control, planning and patience in a fun way. You can hang the Felt Right Tiles Wall Gamesup for a round of chess or checkers, or challenge kids to match the pattern on the card forReady, Slide, Match!
4. Creative Toys
Arts and crafts promote a calm mind, increase focus and improve fine motor skills. Children can draw or write on the Light Up Writing Board as a means of creative expression. Once their image is complete, they can flip the switch to see their work light up.
5. Active Play Equipment
Channel your child’s need to move and burn energy in a healthy way with plenty of active play equipment. Kids can use their core muscles to balance and play on the Wooden Balance Board.They can go for a ride on ascooteror race their way through anobstacle course.
6. Sound and Light Toys
Engaging multiple senses can capture kids' attention for longer periods of time. Tools that provide audio and visual input also help develop rhythm and focus. Wall panels like our Tactile UV Sensory PanelandSound Activated Light Up Wall Panel combine these forms of sensory stimulation for endless fun.
7. Swings
A swing is a multifunctional sensory tool that can provide both the active input and soothing sensations a child with ADHD may need. They can either swing fast and high to let out energy or gently sway to calm their system down. The Cozy Compression Swing offers a hug-like sensation that kids can stretch and spin in for active stimulation that boosts self-regulation.
Explore our full range of swings to find the perfect one for your child and space.
8. Classroom Helpers
Formal learning environments are commonly difficult places for kids with ADHD. Encourage their focus and attention by limiting distractions with Study Carrels. Allowing them to use wiggle cushions helps them get active sensory input without leaving their seat.
As with any diagnosis, support matters. Understanding ADHD is the first step toward creating a supportive environment where your child can shine. Learn to recognize early signs, and turn to a healthcare provider for an evaluation if you have any concerns. An occupational therapist can guide you on which tools will be most effective for your child, and how to use them in learning and play scenarios.
Although it will likely take time, you can arm your child with a full toolbox to use in any scenario. Our therapist-designed sensory tools are not just toys—they’re powerful aids for building important skills and self-confidence.
Take a look through our ADHD-friendly recommendations to find what is right for your child.
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