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Modifying Sports for ADHD Children
Despite the pitfalls of team sports, many kids with ADHD are strongly motivated to join them for social reasons as well as athletic interest. Indeed, learning to be a part of a team is a thrilling and therapeutic experience for kids who are up to the task.
But whether they choose to pursue team or individual sports, an understanding professional coach or gym teacher who makes adjustments and modifications for ADHD kids can make or break a sports experience for your child.
Modifications in team sports should be designed to keep your child active and engaged in the sport with strategies that minimize downtime and boredom. In baseball, for example, modifications might include:
-- Changing drill patterns frequently to keep the child from becoming bored or desensitized.
-- Changing field positions as frequently as every five minutes to re-stimulate the child's attention to the game, particularly if the child is posted in the outfield.
-- Putting the ADHD child in an active field position as much as possible to keep him or her busily involved in the game.
-- Alternate between multiple practice stations to keep kids constantly engaged.
-- Giving the ADHD child a coach's assistant job while waiting his turn at bat. Keep the task simple but engaging so he'll stay out of trouble and build a sense of purpose and self worth along the way.
Even individual sports may require modifications. Mauro Hamza, a fencing coach in Houston, Texas, allows ADHD children frequent breaks in routine. The fencing club rents space from a rec center, which enables children to break for checkers, TV, snacks, or even an occasional ping pong game during the two hour fencing club practice.
Next: Pick Age Appropriate Sports...
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