occupational therapy | ADHD Information

how do occupational therapists work with adhd kids. how does it help.
what is it supposed to do. im particularly interested in how it helps teach
them self regulation.reneeeileen39006.6602430556My son goes to OT, originally it was for  handwriting but now she is working on some motor planning with him...I see lots of ADHD kids at OT...BTW his handwriting is pretty good now.I'm no expert, but I think that if your child has dysgraphia or some type of motor deficit with ADHD, then he get traditional OT. But if it's just ADHD, an occupational therapist basically provides The Alert Program for Self-Regulation.hhmm.  My ds went to one for 2 years.  he has hand tremors.  we finally went to a neuropsy and he is on a med for it.  but the ot worked with him on his fine motor skills.  like eye/hand coordination, hand writing, cursive and manuscript and now he can read and write like an adult and he's going to be 9 next month, they worked on standing on one foot, hopping, skipping, jumping, all in one place and around in circles.  It was cool and very helpful.  I don't know about how it helped with his self esteem, but i'll ask. and let you all know.

I'm not sure it works for ADHD kids.  I bring my son for OT for sensory integration dysfunction which mimicks ADHD.  Many kids are misdiagnosed ADHD and actually have SID.  He actually loves it because the techniques are all with play such as swings, balance beams, games, etc.

It's worth a try!

What Is Occupational Therapy?

Everyone has an occupation or job. A kid's occupation is to grow, learn, and play. Occupational therapy helps kids who have a physical or mental disability carry out everyday activities like brushing their teeth or putting on shoes and socks. Some occupational therapists help kids create alternate ways to play popular games they might miss out on because of their illness or injury. Many work with kids who need help with their handwriting.

Occupational therapy helps children with disabilities be as independent as possible or aids a kid who's returning to school after a long illness or severe injury. Some people say a physical therapist will get you where you are going, but an occupational therapist helps you out when you get there.

Who Needs It?

All sorts of kids see an occupational therapist. Most have difficulty performing everyday activities like dressing, tying shoes, feeding themselves, paying attention, writing, drawing, or coloring in the lines.

Some kids with conditions like cerebral palsy (like Joe), muscular dystrophy, or spina bifida may need to use a wheelchair. An occupational therapist can help kids in wheelchairs come up with a plan to go through the lunch line, get stuff out of their school locker, and make it to class on time. Occupational therapists also may help children with autism learn how to interact with others.

An occupational therapist also offers aids and equipment like slings or splints to provide support to different parts of the body. They can help you find devices that make things like opening a jar easier.

Yeah, I had the same questions and noone seems to think adhd children need OT.  People have actually looked at me crazy when I ask about it!  I misunderstood too, I guess!

Wow!  That's awesome to know!  I will def be looking into that too!I think you are referring to the The Alert Program for Self-Regulation. It was originally designed for children with ADHD and learning difficulties.  Each individual’s formula for self-regulation is unique.  The Alert program can be used in the school or at home. It's based on the "How Does Your Engine Run?" book. The program is explained to the child using terms like “Your body is like a car engine, sometimes it runs on low, sometimes it runs on high and sometimes it runs just right”. Children learn what to do if their engines are running on high when they need to sit down and concentrate on homework.  Children learn strategies that enhance their abilities to learn, interact with others, and work or play. They learn to monitor their level of alertness. Occupational therapists use the Alert Program. Also, you can attend a seminar. They've got the schedule on their website www.alertprogram.com. The price seem reasonable, but then you've got to purchase the products also. I'm thinking about going, and setting my son up with an OT trained in the Alert Program.