Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobiological disorder that affects boys and girls around the world. Those who suffer from ADHD often have difficulty maintaining attention, controlling their impulsivity, and regulating their activity level. One of the main challenges for parents and educators of children with ADHD is to find activities that help them work on their attention and concentration, as well as channel their energy in a positive way.
Why is it important to work on attention in children with ADHD?
Attention capacity is essential for learning, problem solving and behavior in general. In the case of children with ADHD, lack of attention can hinder their academic performance, social relationships, and emotional well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to provide them with activities that stimulate their ability to concentrate and help them improve their attention.
Benefits of activities to work on attention in children with ADHD
The activities designed specifically for children with ADHD, they not only help them improve their attention span, but also provide other benefits, such as:
- Develop self-regulation skills.
- Increase self-esteem.
- Promote calm and relaxation.
- Encourage creativity and imagination.
- Improve social skills.
14 activities for children with ADHD
Here are 14 recommended activities to help children with ADHD work on their attention in a fun and effective way:
1. Board games
Board games such as chess, memory or scrabble are excellent for promoting concentration and planning in children with ADHD. In addition, these games help them develop social and teamwork skills.
2. Puzzles
Solving puzzles can be a very beneficial activity to improve concentration and patience in children with ADHD. Puzzles also stimulate problem-solving skills and encourage perseverance.
3. Yoga
Practicing yoga can be an excellent way to help children with ADHD improve their attention and emotional control. Yoga teaches them to connect with their body and their breathing, which helps reduce impulsiveness and agitation.
4. Arts and crafts
Artistic activities such as painting, drawing or doing crafts are ideal for stimulating creativity and concentration in children with ADHD. These activities allow them to express themselves in a free and relaxed way.
5. Mindfulness games
Mindfulness games, such as guided meditation or mindfulness practice, can be very helpful in teaching children with ADHD to focus their minds on the present moment. These activities help them reduce impulsivity and improve their ability to concentrate.
6. Interactive stories
Reading interactive stories in which children can actively participate, ask questions or complete activities related to the story is an excellent way to work on attention in children with ADHD. These activities stimulate their curiosity and help them stay focused.
7. Observation games
Games like "find the differences" or "search and find" are ideal for improving attention and concentration in children with ADHD. These activities teach them to pay attention to details and develop observation skills.
8. Physical exercise
Doing physical activities such as playing soccer, riding a bicycle or dancing can be very beneficial for children with ADHD. Physical exercise not only helps them release energy and reduce hyperactivity, but also improves their ability to concentrate and their mood.
9. Memory games
Memory games, like Simon says or memorizing patterns, are excellent for working on attention and memory in children with ADHD. These activities help them improve their retention and concentration capacity.
10. Puzzles
Solving puzzles, both in physical and digital formats, is a very effective activity for improving concentration and problem solving in children with ADHD. In addition, puzzles provide them with a stimulating cognitive challenge.
11. Selective attention games
Games that require selective attention, such as searching for hidden objects or identifying figures in a pattern, are ideal for working on attention in children with ADHD. These activities teach them to focus on relevant information and ignore distractions.
12. Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy can be very beneficial for children with ADHD, providing them with structured activities that help improve their attention, coordination, and motor skills. Occupational therapists use specific techniques and games to work on the areas of development that need it most.
13. Cognitive training programs
Cognitive training programs designed for children with ADHD are an effective tool to improve their attention, memory and executive functions. These programs usually include cognitive stimulation exercises adapted to the individual needs of each child.
14. Tasks of daily living
Involving children with ADHD in tasks of daily living, such as preparing food, cleaning the room or doing the shopping, is a practical way to work on their attention, organization and autonomy . These activities allow them to acquire useful skills for their personal development.
In summary, providing children with ADHD with activities that help them work on their attention in a playful and stimulating way is essential for their cognitive, emotional and social. By tailoring activities to each child's individual needs and fostering an environment of support and understanding, you can significantly contribute to improving their quality of life and overall well-being.