Is your child having difficulty paying attention? Is this having an effect on how they play on the playground? A pediatric physical therapist can offer advice and treatment to help your child.
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as “inattention, e.g., difficulty holding attention, trouble organizing tasks, or easily distracted, and hyperactivity/impulsivity, e.g., excessive talking, fidgety, or trouble taking turns.”
If your child has difficulty with motor planning and is showing signs of ADHD, please know that we are here to help. Pediatric physical therapy can help with movement issues associated with ADHD. Call Synergy Therapeutic Group in Carbondale today to make an appointment.
Tips for Coping with ADHD and Movement Dysfunction
ADHD affects 3–5% of preschool and school-aged children and is associated with or related to other pediatric disorders. ADHD may be a differential diagnosis in some cases, and your child may have a movement disorder that has “disguised” itself as ADHD.
As an example, consider Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). ADHD can coexist with Developmental Coordination Disorder, according to the American Physical Therapy Association. Children with DCD may fall frequently due to balance issues, walk and run differently than their peers, and have difficulty with motor planning.
Children with ADHD may fall frequently, but this is due to distraction rather than a lack of coordination.As you can see, these are difficult diagnoses to distinguish, but they are not difficult to treat.
Parents are essential components of any home physical therapy program. Parents can learn how to create a structured environment from our physical therapists.
Here are some suggestions for promoting healthy interactions and physical performance:
- Positive reinforcement can be used to reinforce desired behaviors. Provide a success chart for the child where they can add stickers to track their progress visually.
- Consistent sleeping habits. Getting enough sleep each night will assist your child in remaining focused throughout the day. A relaxing bath and/or a bedtime story are also good rituals to begin. Avoid using a screen before.
- Daily routines. Create predictable routines at home to help your child understand what to expect. Make a schedule for your child to follow.
- Discuss the relationship between nutrition, ADHD, and physical function with your child. Allow them to help you with your grocery shopping by selecting healthy options from the produce section.
How to promote brain development
We are all “wired” differently, and we learn what works best for us as we grow older. Children require guidance and nurturing to find their equilibrium. Here are some suggestions to assist your child:
- Routines – Having a routine can provide structure to your child’s day, letting them know what to expect.
- Physical activity- Set aside time each day for playground time or neighborhood play.
- Sleep – Maintain consistent night and morning routines; this is beneficial to both the body and the mind.
- Avoid sugar and caffeine- which can trigger negative behaviors.
- Support – Give your child the tools they need to succeed by listening and reassuring them.
Our physical therapists are available to assist you and your child!
Motor planning issues affect 30-50 percent of all ADHD children. Because so much emphasis is placed on the emotional and social problems associated with the condition, deficiencies in strength, balance, and mobility are rarely addressed.
Physical therapists are movement specialists. They can not only identify potential issues with your child’s motor skills, but also create a physical therapy plan to address them.
Unlike physical therapy following surgery or an injury, physical therapy for a child with ADHD may resemble playing games! Our physical therapist will use play to help your child learn how to sit upright in a chair, improve their balance, and move properly.
Here are some examples of what you might encounter during your child’s therapy sessions:
- Setting the scene – Your child’s therapist may use a whiteboard or other visual means to schedule the session so that your child is aware of what will occur.
- Preparing the body – Your child’s therapist may use swings, therapy balls, or other movement supports to provide your child with feedback on how to organize their movements for success.
- Utilizing cognitive strategies – your child’s therapist may have your child verbally process activities before initiating them.
Ready to get your child started on a physical therapy treatment plan?
Although there is no magic cure for ADHD, supporting your child’s developing brain with routine, physical activity, sleep, nutrition, and support can set them up for success.
Including physical therapy in their treatment plan can assist in addressing underlying motor issues that may be causing some of their symptoms.
Let us collaborate to ensure your child’s success. Call Synergy Therapeutic Group in Carbondale, and we will gladly schedule an evaluation!
