Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (more commonly known as ADHD) is incredibly common in kids. In fact, about 9.4 percent of children get an ADHD diagnosis at one point or another, per a national 2016 survey. That makes ADHD one of the most common disorders of childhood.
Of course, it’s normal for kids to struggle with focus or behavior from time to time. But kids with ADHD might be hyperactive or have a hard time paying attention or controlling their impulses. They could act without thinking or be ‘overactive’. And — if left unaddressed — these unique struggles have the potential to turn into problems at school, at home and with friends.
Treatment for ADHD is always individualized and depends on the child, but usually, it involves a mix of things: behavior therapy and parental intervention, as well as the use of medications.
Often, parents also turn to specific products (toys, games, tools, and other resources) aimed at infusing calmness into their children’s day, delivering the stimulation they crave, and helping keep kids focused.
These 11 items — from blankets and sensory items to toys (and even video games!) — are trusted by mothers of children with ADHD and experts alike.
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Sensory Seat Cushion
“A sensory seat cushion is an amazing tool to give kids with ADHD the sensory input they crave so they can focus, reduce hyperactivity, and concentrate better,” sayd Roseann Capanna-Hodge, an integrative and pediatric mental health expert and mother based in Ridgefield, CT. “It is a tool that can be used while doing any seat work or even at the dinner table. Using it for about 20 minutes and then taking a break is the best way to optimize focus.”
Mini Trampoline
A mini trampoline is a fantastic way to satisfy a kid’s innate need for movement without them running everywhere. For kids who attend online school, bouncing while they listen to their teachers can help them focus. This one holds up to 250 pounds, so even teenagers (and adults!) can use it.
Highlighter Bookmarks
Kids with ADHD struggle with staying focused. Using a simple and inexpensive bookmark that has a highlighted window is an easy way to keep kids focused on what they’re reading. The highlighting over the words helps to keep the brain’s visual system engaged and alert.
Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets provide sensory input that helps impart a sense of calm, which is so important for kids with ADHD — especially since anxiety can be a common side effect. A weighted blanket isn’t just good for their minds, but for their bodies as well, reducing hyperactivity and fidgeting through their calming and grounding effects.
Not-So-Silly Putty
Sensory putty is an inexpensive and easy sensory toy that gives kids the movement they crave but in a more “acceptable” way that helps them to stay focused and get work done.
Intention-Setting Bracelet
The Wishbeads paper bracelet kit is perfect for kids with ADHD because it allows parents and kids to work together to write down their intentions or goals, and then create a wearable, daily reminder of those goals. This can be a fun and fashionable way for kids with ADHD to stay on track and cope with their symptoms.
Centering Biofeedback
“Biofeedback has been around for decades, but with the increase in emotional and behavioral disorders in children and teens, there has also been an increase in natural ways to support them. Heart rate variability (HRV) Biofeedback helps children who struggle with stress, attention, and impulse control by teaching them to sync their heart rate with their breath.”
— Roseann Capanna-Hodge
Fidget Fun
People without ADHD tend to see fidget toys as distractions, but they are actually very helpful focus aids for kids with ADHD — especially fidget cubes like this one. There’s a variety of things to push, click, and rotate, but they’re small enough to be easily portable and discreet.
Chore Chart
One of the best ways to keep an ADHD kiddo on track is to break down their daily routine into a manageable to-do list. This 26-page chore chart comes with 2800 stickers, and has seven slots that you can fill in with whatever task your child needs to do, whether it’s chores or just self-care. It helps them keep track of what they have and haven’t done, and gives them a clear path forward to the next item.
(For older kids, this one is great — and it comes in 18 different colors!)
On-the-Go Sandbox
Playing with kinetic sand is a wonderful way to calm the nervous system, mind, and body. Through the soothing play that comes from the soft sensory experience of playing with this sand, kids with ADHD often can regulate and calm.
Noise Canceling Headphones
For kids who are easily distracted, a good pair of noise-canceling headphones are an absolute must-have. These APA-approved headphones from Altec Lansing can be used for up to four hours at a time when used wirelessly. They have a kid-safe volume level, and are lightweight and comfortable.
Might-Building Video Games
Mightier’s bioresponsive games are a unique concept that combines fun video games with a heart rate sensor, which helps kids visualize how their heart rate accelerates when they’re excited or frustrated. Then, through proven techniques, they practice and learn emotional control.
Doodling and Coloring Books
Even though teachers used to yell, “Don’t doodle!”, now many realize that doodling can help children be more focused when they expend their energy this way. Researchers believe that doodling allows you to keep your mind engaged so you can focus better.
Brainwave-Changing Music
Music with embedded brainwave changing technology is an easy thing for parents to put on when their child is playing or doing homework. Musician Jeffery Thompson has created a series of albums that can support focus, relaxation and sleep.
Chew Necklaces
Who says chew toys are just for dogs and babies?! Many kids with ADHD find that chewing on something (often the end of a pencil — much to the detriment of their eraser — or their fingers) helps improve their focus and keeps them from fidgeting. These highly-rated silicone chew necklaces come in multiple styles and colors, and since they’re worn around the neck, they’re always accessible! (Obviously, these are meant for school-aged kids.)
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