Slide 3
of 7
Individual Sports Are Key
As a general rule, children with ADHD do better when they get plenty of individual attention from coaches. That's why they're more likely to succeed with individual sports such as swimming and diving, wrestling, martial arts, and tennis - or even more rarified endeavors such as fencing and horseback riding.
Even though these sports themselves may be "individual," ADHD children still derive many of the social benefits of being on a team because they're frequently taught in groups with other kids. "In the case of swimming, wrestling and tennis they often are on teams," says Quinn. "It's just that the effort and instruction are individual."
The team situation also enables children to spread the guilt for a loss over the group, not just on him or herself - which is acceptable as long the child understands his or her role in the loss, and doesn't verbally blame or abuse teammates. Which means parents need to be closely involved.
In fact, parents are the key to sports success for most ADHD kids, particularly when they're young and selecting activities to pursue. "You have to work at seeking out what your kids are good at, what they're interested in, and what fits their personalities," says Quinn. "There's no one formula because no two ADHD kids are alike."
Next: The Magic of Martial Arts...
Slide 3
of 7
