How Occupational Therapy Helps Children with ADHD Improve Focus and Self Control
Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder often face challenges beyond simple restlessness or distraction. They may struggle with paying attention, completing tasks, organising their day, and managing emotions. These difficulties can affect school performance, behaviour at home, social interactions, and overall confidence. At Buds to Blossom Child Development Centre in Chennai, led by Dr. Balaji Baskaran (Occupational Therapist), occupational therapy plays an essential role in helping children with ADHD develop better focus and self-control.
Occupational therapy looks at how a child engages in everyday activities such as learning, playing, following routines, and managing emotions. The goal is to help the child use their strengths, improve their weaknesses, and learn practical skills to function more comfortably across different environments.
Understanding ADHD in Children
ADHD affects the brain systems responsible for attention, impulse control, planning, and working memory. Children with ADHD may show signs such as:
- Difficulty staying seated
- Getting easily distracted
- Challenges in finishing homework
- Interrupting others during conversations
- Touching objects often or fidgeting constantly
- Struggling to understand multi-step instructions
- Emotional outbursts or frustration
These behaviours are not intentional—they result from how the brain processes information and manages impulses. Occupational therapy provides structured support to help the child build these skills in a meaningful way.
Why Occupational Therapy Is Important for Children with ADHD
Occupational therapy focuses on functional improvement. It does not simply address behaviour—rather, it helps the child manage their mind, body, and environment so they can focus better and gain control over their actions.
- Sensory regulation
- Emotional control
- Organisation and planning
- Sitting tolerance
- Executive functioning
- Handwriting and school performance
- Social skills and communication
How Sensory Processing Affects Focus and Self Control
Many children with ADHD have sensory processing challenges. Their brain may over-respond or under- respond to sensory input, making it difficult for them to sit still, listen quietly, or remain attentive in class.
- Feeling overwhelmed by noise
- Seeking movement constantly
- Touching everything to stay alert
- Difficulty filtering background distractions
- Becoming restless or fidgety frequently
Occupational therapy uses sensory-integration-based activities to stabilise the child’s nervous system. When their sensory needs are met, they can focus better and control impulses more effectively.
Occupational Therapy Techniques that Improve Focus
1. Sensory Regulation Activities
Activities such as swinging, wall climbing, deep pressure input, obstacle courses, and proprioceptive tasks
help the child achieve a calm and alert state, allowing the brain to focus better.
2. Structured Routines
Therapists help parents and teachers create predictable routines using visual schedules, organisers, and
simple cues to reduce confusion and improve attention.
3. Attention Building Exercises
Sequencing games, sorting tasks, matching puzzles, and visual-motor activities strengthen the brain’s
ability to maintain attention for longer periods.
4. Handwriting and Classroom Skills
Occupational therapy improves hand strength, pencil grasp, posture, and writing speed to support
academic performance.
5. Break Planning
Therapists teach how to use short movement breaks, stretching, heavy work, or breathing routines to help
the child return to tasks with renewed focus.
How Occupational Therapy Helps Children Improve Self Control
1. Emotion Regulation Activities
Children learn to recognise their emotional state and use calming strategies such as:
- Deep breathing
- Tactile calming tools
- Weighted activities
- Sensory corners
- Self-regulation games
These strategies help children pause, think, and respond more appropriately during emotional moments.
2. Improving Impulse Control
Play-based activities that require turn-taking, rule-following, and stop-and-go responses help improve
inhibitory control naturally and enjoyably.
3. Executive Functioning Training
Occupational therapy strengthens planning, organisation, and working memory through:
- Step-by-step task planning
- Visual checklists
- Organising personal items
- Breaking down large tasks
- Working memory games
These tools improve confidence and reduce frustration during schoolwork and daily routines.
4. Sensory Breaks for Self Control
Therapists teach families and teachers how to recognise early signs of dysregulation and use sensory
breaks to prevent meltdowns or impulsive behaviour.
What Therapy Sessions Look Like at Buds to Blossom
Therapy begins with an assessment by Dr. Balaji Baskaran to understand the child’s sensory needs, attention challenges, academic skills, and behavioural concerns.
A typical session may include:
- Movement-based sensory tasks
- Organised play requiring turn-taking
- Attention and memory games
- Activities to improve handwriting and motor control
- Emotional regulation techniques
- Visual schedules and routines
Benefits Parents Commonly Observe
Parents often report noticeable improvements such as:
- Longer attention span
- Better control of impulses
- Ability to sit through meals and study time
- Reduced restlessness
- Improved handwriting
- Fewer emotional outbursts
- Better school performance
- Improved confidence and participation
Caring Support for Children with ADHD at Buds to Blossom
Occupational therapy provides strong support for children with ADHD by improving focus, self-control, and daily functioning. Through sensory regulation, emotional support, structured routines, and skill-building, children learn to manage their behaviour and succeed in everyday situations.
At Buds to Blossom Child Development Centre in Chennai, Dr. Balaji Baskaran and his skilled team offer compassionate, research-driven occupational therapy that helps children with ADHD reach their fullest potential.