Occupational Therapy for ADHD: Evidence-Based Programs at Cadabam’s Child Development Center
Occupational Therapy for ADHD is a practical, child-centred approach that trains the brain and body to work together more smoothly. At Cadabams CDC, our therapists turn everyday tasks—like finishing homework or tying shoelaces—into fun, skill-building games. The result? Children gain the confidence parents want to see and the independence they need for school and home life.
1. Overview: Occupational Therapy for ADHD at Cadabam’s CDC
What is Occupational Therapy for ADHD?
Occupational Therapy for ADHD uses structured play, sensory exercises, and real-life activities to build:
- Attention span – staying on task without constant reminders
- Executive function – planning, organising, and completing multi-step tasks
- Sensory regulation – managing fidgeting, impulsivity, and emotional outbursts Unlike tutoring or medication alone, OT focuses on how a child learns rather than what they learn.
Who Benefits From Our ADHD Occupational Therapy Programs?
Cadabams CDC welcomes children and teens aged 3–16 who:
- Have a formal ADHD diagnosis or noticeable ADHD-like behaviours
- Struggle with handwriting, dressing, or following routines
- Find it hard to sit still, take turns, or finish homework
- Need support alongside existing medication or therapy
2. How Occupational Therapy Helps ADHD Children
Executive Function & Attention Training
- Visual timers teach “start and stop” thinking.
- Colour-coded calendars break big projects into tiny, doable steps.
- Brain-break games (e.g., “Statue Freeze”) reset attention levels in under two minutes.
Sensory Integration & Self-Regulation
- Swing platforms and weighted blankets calm hyper-alert nervous systems.
- Noise-cancelling headphones during writing tasks reduce classroom distractions.
- Breathing buddies—small stuffed animals that rise and fall with slow breaths—lower heart rates before tests.
Fine-Motor & Daily Living Skills
- Pinch-and-place beads strengthen finger muscles for neat handwriting.
- Dressing boards with zippers, buttons, and laces build morning-routine independence.
- Kitchen corner tasks—pouring, stirring, spreading—teach sequencing and bilateral coordination.
3. Our Step-By-Step Treatment Process
1. Comprehensive OT Assessment
- 90-minute session with parent interview, sensory questionnaire, and standardised tests (BOT-2, SPM).
- Video clips of classroom or home behaviours may be reviewed to capture real-world challenges.
2. Individualised Goal Setting
- Goals are written in child-friendly language: “I will finish my morning routine in 20 minutes.”
- Parents choose top three priorities (e.g., handwriting, turn-taking, bedtime routine).
3. Weekly Therapy Sessions & Home Programs
- 45-minute sessions, once or twice weekly, in our child-designed gym.
- Home-program apps deliver five-minute daily exercises with short demo videos.
4. Progress Reviews & Parent Coaching
- Every 8 weeks, therapists meet parents for a 30-minute review.
- Parents receive fresh strategies—like “first-then” boards—to keep momentum at home.
4. Techniques & Activities We Use
Sensory Diets & Alerting Activities
Quick, scheduled bursts of movement help regulate energy:
- Chair push-ups before spelling tests
- Jumping jacks after 20 minutes of desk work
- Therapy-band foot fidgets under the table for silent wiggling
Time-Management & Organizational Games
- Beat-the-Clock Bingo—child completes three tasks before the sand timer runs out.
- Backpack Checklists with Velcro icons to pack and repack independently.
- Digital Pomodoro apps customised to 10-minute focus blocks for younger kids.
Handwriting & Fine-Motor Stations
- Squiggle pens that vibrate gently, improving grip and control.
- Tear-and-paste art that strengthens finger muscles without feeling like “work.”
- Vertical chalkboard walls that build shoulder stability for smoother pencil strokes.
5. Meet Our Specialist Occupational Therapists
Our team holds:
- Master’s degrees in Occupational Therapy from NIOS-recognised universities
- Certifications in Sensory Integration (SIPT, USC/WPS) and ADHD-specific interventions (CO-OP Approach)
- Combined 50+ years of paediatric experience across hospital, school, and clinic settings Every therapist completes 20 hours of annual continuing education—double the national requirement—ensuring your child receives the newest, safest strategies.