Understanding ADHD and How Occupational Therapy Can Help: Supporting Families in Bondi Junction and Mascot
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common condition affecting many young children, impacting their ability to focus, stay still, and control their behaviour. Understanding ADHD and its effects can help parents, teachers, and caregivers provide the right support. Beyond medical treatment, Occupational Therapy plays a vital role in helping children with ADHD thrive. In Bondi Junction and Mascot, OneOnOne Children’s Therapy offers tailored support for families navigating ADHD.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurological condition that affects how the brain works. Children with ADHD often have trouble paying attention, exhibit hyperactivity, can be inattentive and act impulsively without considering the consequences. It’s essential to recognise that ADHD is not a result of laziness or a lack of motivation. It’s simply how their brain functions, and with the right support, children with ADHD can learn to manage their symptoms and succeed.
Symptoms of ADHD
ADHD symptoms typically appear before the age of 12 and often continue into adulthood. The symptoms are usually divided into three main categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
- Inattention:
- Difficulty focusing on tasks or activities.
- Making careless mistakes in schoolwork.
- Trouble staying organised.
- Frequently losing items like toys or homework.
- Easily distracted by noises or other activities.
- Forgetting to complete tasks or follow instructions.
- Hyperactivity:
- Fidgeting or squirming in their seat.
- Difficulty sitting still during meals or school.
- Running or climbing in inappropriate situations.
- Talking excessively.
- Struggling to play quietly.
- Impulsivity:
- Interrupting others during conversations or games.
- Difficulty waiting their turn.
- Acting without thinking, which can lead to accidents.
- Blurting out answers before questions are finished.
Impact of ADHD on Young Children in our Bondi Junction clinic
ADHD affects various aspects of a child’s life, from their academic performance to social interactions and behaviour at home. Understanding these impacts can help caregivers create effective strategies to support them.
School and Learning
Children with ADHD often struggle in school due to difficulties with attention and focus. They may find it hard to follow instructions, complete assignments, or stay organised. These challenges can lead to lower grades and frustration. Remember that ADHD is not a reflection of intellectual ability. Very bright children can have ADHD. Teachers may notice that these children have trouble sitting still, listening to lessons, or working quietly. To help, schools can provide accommodations like visual aids, extra time for tasks, and breaking assignments into smaller steps. These tools are vital for supporting attention and school readiness.
Social Interactions
ADHD can also impact a child’s ability to interact with peers. They may struggle to make and keep friends due to impulsive behaviour, difficulty taking turns, or interrupting conversations. This can lead to misunderstandings and conflict. Structured playtime, social skills training, and encouraging positive interactions can help children with ADHD build better relationships and boost their self-esteem.
Behaviour and Emotions
Children with ADHD often experience strong emotions and may struggle to manage them. They might become easily frustrated, have frequent outbursts, or appear overly emotional. Managing these behaviours requires consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement. Teaching coping strategies like deep breathing or taking a break can also help children manage overwhelming feelings.
Family Life
ADHD can impact the entire family. Parents and siblings may feel stressed or frustrated by the child’s behaviour. It’s crucial for families to work together to support the child while also caring for their own well-being. Family counselling, support groups, and educational resources can provide valuable guidance.
How Occupational Therapy Can Help Children with ADHD
Occupational Therapy (OT) is a crucial part of managing ADHD, focusing on helping children develop the skills they need to function effectively in daily life. At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy in Bondi Junction and Mascot, our Occupational Therapists use evidence-based approaches to help children with ADHD thrive.
Sensory Integration
Children with ADHD often struggle with sensory processing, meaning they have difficulty managing the sensory information from their body and the environment around them. This sensory overload can leave them feeling disorganised and overwhelmed. Sensory integration therapy helps these children regulate their sensory experiences, allowing them to stay calm and focus better.
When the touch (tactile), balance (vestibular), and body awareness (proprioceptive) systems work together effectively, children can move confidently and process their actions more smoothly. This helps them manage the environment and all the stimuli around them. Occupational Therapists use targeted activities like swinging, bouncing, and applying deep pressure to help children process sensory input more effectively. These techniques can greatly improve a child’s ability to concentrate, follow instructions, and navigate different environments with greater ease.
Metacognitive Approaches
Metacognition means thinking about how we think—like learning how to plan, check, and adjust our own thoughts. Occupational Therapists teach kids with ADHD these skills to help them understand how they learn and how to better manage their focus and behavior. By learning to be more aware of themselves and solve problems, kids can get better at organising tasks, staying focused, and finishing activities successfully.
Visual Supports
Visual aids, such as schedules, checklists, and charts, are highly effective for children with ADHD. These tools provide clear, visual reminders of what needs to be done, helping children stay organised and on track. Occupational Therapists use visual supports to help children break down tasks into manageable steps, reducing overwhelm and increasing independence.
How Speech Pathology Can Support ADHD
In addition to OT, Speech Pathology is beneficial for children with ADHD who struggle with communication and language skills. Speech Pathologists at our Bondi Junction and Mascot clinics work on improving attention and listening skills, helping children follow directions, and enhancing their ability to express themselves clearly. These skills are critical for success in school and social settings.
Managing ADHD in Daily Life
While ADHD can present challenges, there are many ways to help children manage their symptoms and thrive.
- Medical Treatment:
Doctors may prescribe medication to help manage ADHD symptoms, improving focus and reducing hyperactivity. - Behavioural Therapy:
Behavioural therapy teaches children strategies to manage their symptoms and improve behaviour. - Educational Support:
Schools can provide individualised education plans (IEPs) to outline accommodations for classroom success. - Parental Support:
Parents play a crucial role in supporting their children with ADHD by creating structured environments, using positive reinforcement, and seeking professional help when needed.
Meet Tommy
Tommy, now in Year 1, was having a hard time staying on task at school, even though he had strong cognitive skills. His Occupational Therapy sessions in Bondi Junction helped him build important skills to improve his focus and behaviour. Through activities designed to support sensory processing and attention, Tommy learned strategies to manage distractions and better organise his tasks. With the guidance of his Occupational Therapist, Tommy gradually gained the tools he needed to stay on track in the classroom, helping him engage more effectively in his learning. Read about more of our ADHD success stories.
We’re Here to Support Your Child with ADHD in Bondi Junction and Mascot
At OneOnOne Children’s Therapy, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow and thrive. Our clinics in Bondi Junction and Mascot offer a holistic approach to paediatric therapy, combining innovative techniques in Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, and more. Our goal is to help children overcome challenges and reach their full potential.
Reach Out for Support
If you’re concerned about your child’s attention or want to learn more about how our Occupational Therapy can help, OneOnOne Children’s Therapy is here for you. Call our Bondi Junction and Mascot clinics at (02) 8065 7837 or email us. Let’s work together to support your child’s unique journey.
We are a dedicated team of Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Certified ESDM Therapists, serving families in Bondi Junction and Mascot, Sydney’s Eastern suburbs. Our clinics are tailored to provide exceptional intervention for children with autism, developmental delays, disabilities, and learning difficulties, ensuring they receive the best possible care and support.
