Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects millions of children and teens worldwide, impacting their ability to focus, regulate emotions, manage impulses, and complete daily tasks. For parents, navigating the challenges of ADHD can feel overwhelming—especially when school performance, friendships, and self-esteem are affected.
At our practice, we believe that ADHD does not define a child’s potential. With the right support, understanding, and practical strategies, children and teens can learn how to manage their symptoms, build confidence, and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
In this post, we’ll share the core techniques our therapists use to support children and teens with ADHD, and how these approaches empower both young people and their families.
1. Creating Structure Through Routines
Children and teens with ADHD often benefit from predictable daily routines. Our therapists work with families to design clear, easy-to-follow schedules that reduce overwhelm and help with time management.
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Visual schedules with pictures or icons for younger children.
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Color-coded planners or apps for teens.
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Built-in transition times to make moving from one activity to another smoother.
By making the day predictable, we reduce anxiety, increase independence, and limit opportunities for distraction.
2. Teaching Self-Regulation Skills
ADHD can make it harder for young people to control impulses and manage emotions. We use evidence-based self-regulation techniques such as:
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Mindfulness exercises to improve awareness of thoughts and feelings.
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Breathing techniques for calming the nervous system during moments of frustration.
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Movement breaks that use physical activity to release restlessness and refocus attention.
These skills help children and teens pause before reacting, improving relationships at home and school.
3. Breaking Tasks Into Manageable Steps
Large assignments or chores can feel overwhelming for a child with ADHD. Our therapists teach “chunking” strategies—breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps with clear instructions.
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For example, instead of “Clean your room,” we might guide them through: Pick up clothes, put away toys, then make your bed.
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We also incorporate timers and reward systems to encourage follow-through and completion.
4. Strengthening Executive Function Skills
ADHD can impact planning, organization, and working memory—skills collectively known as executive functions. We use playful, engaging activities to strengthen these abilities:
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Memory games to boost recall.
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Organizational tools like checklists and labeled storage bins.
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Goal-setting exercises that teach prioritization and responsibility.
These small improvements build life-long skills for success in school and beyond.
5. Collaborating With Schools & Parents
ADHD management works best when everyone is on the same team. We regularly collaborate with parents, teachers, and support staff to ensure strategies are reinforced across settings.
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For parents, we provide coaching on how to give effective instructions and positive reinforcement.
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For schools, we share accommodation suggestions like preferential seating, extra time for assignments, or the use of fidget tools.
This ensures a consistent and supportive environment for the child or teen.
Our Philosophy: Empowerment, Not Just Symptom Control
While medication can be helpful for some, our focus is on giving children and teens practical tools they can use for life. We celebrate their strengths—creativity, energy, curiosity—and help them understand that ADHD is just one part of who they are.
By combining structure, skill-building, emotional support, and teamwork, we help young people not only manage their ADHD but also feel confident and capable in their own skin.