Play Therapy for ADHD at Cadabam’s CDC
Are you a parent seeing endless fidgeting, emotional meltdowns and difficulty following instructions? Play therapy for ADHD is a gentle, evidence-based way to turn those struggles into strengths—without relying solely on medication. At Cadabam’s CDC, we guide children through structured play sessions that calm the nervous system, sharpen attention and boost confidence.
What Is Play Therapy for ADHD?
Definition & Core Principles
Play therapy for ADHD is a specialised form of counselling that uses games, toys and imaginative activities to help children:
- Regulate hyperactivity and impulsivity
- Strengthen working memory and sustained attention
- Practise turn-taking and social problem-solving Core principles
- Child-led within safe boundaries
- Repetition to build neural pathways
- Immediate feedback and positive reinforcement
- Parent partnership for carry-over at home
How Play Therapy Differs for ADHD vs. Other Disorders
| ADHD Focus | Other Disorders Focus |
|---|---|
| High-energy release games to burn excess motor drive | Calming sensory bins for anxiety |
| Time-limited tasks to train sustained attention | Open-ended play for trauma processing |
| Reward charts tied to impulse-control goals | Verbal reflection for mood disorders |
Signs Your Child May Benefit from Play Therapy
Typical ADHD Behaviours Addressed
- Constant motion—running, climbing or fidgeting at inappropriate times
- Blurting answers, interrupting peers, difficulty waiting a turn
- Losing items, forgetting homework, starting but not finishing chores
- Emotional outbursts when routines change (internal linking) All of these are common ADHD symptoms.
Age Guidelines & Early Indicators
- Ages 3–5: Look for inability to sit through a short story, aggressive play, extreme restlessness. This is common in ADHD in kids.
- Ages 6–9: Homework battles, messy backpacks, trouble making friends. A sign of ADHD in children.
- Ages 10–12: Declining grades, risky playground behaviour, low self-esteem. Can be an indicator of ADHD in teen. Tip: The earlier the intervention, the faster the brain adapts.
Proven Play Therapy Techniques for ADHD
Sensory Play & Movement Games
- Spider Swing Maze: Swinging 5 minutes before seated tasks primes the vestibular system for focus.
- Therapy Ball Races: Crawling over a peanut ball builds core strength and bilateral coordination.
- Rice & Bean Treasure Hunt: Hidden letters reinforce phonics while the tactile input calms impulsivity. (internal linking) These games are a form of sensory integration therapy for ADHD.
Storytelling & Role-Play Interventions
- “Stop, Think, Do” Puppets: Children act out three-step problem-solving scripts.
- Social Story Comics: Custom-drawn panels of “What would happen if I waited my turn?”
- Dress-Up Job Interviews: Pretend roles (chef, teacher) practise planning and sequencing. (internal linking) These interventions are effective therapeutic approaches for ADHD.
Cognitive-Behavioural Play Exercises
- Traffic-Light Freeze Board: Red, yellow and green cards cue pause-and-plan moments.
- Emotion Thermometer Art: Colour in how “hot” anger feels, then choose coping tools.
- LEGO® Build-Then-Stop: Timed construction trains impulse inhibition. (internal linking) This method is rooted in cognitive behavioural therapy for ADHD.
Step-by-Step Process at Cadabam’s CDC
Initial Assessment & Goal Setting
- 60-minute parent interview—history, school reports, family dynamics.
- Standardised tools: Conners 4, ADHD Rating Scale-5.
- Child observation in playroom—attention span, frustration tolerance.
- SMART goals agreed upon (e.g., “Increase sustained attention to 10 minutes during tabletop tasks within 6 weeks”). (internal linking) This process begins with a thorough assessment for ADHD.
Weekly 45-Minute Sessions Structure
- 5 min – Sensory warm-up (swing, mini-trampoline)
- 20 min – Skill-building game tied to current goal
- 10 min – Parent-child co-play to practise the strategy
- 10 min – Therapist feedback and sticker reward chart update
Parent Feedback & Home-Program Integration
- WhatsApp voice note summarising what worked
- PDF one-page activity for that week
- Monthly 30-minute parent coaching call (internal linking) We provide continuous parental support for ADHD.
Parent Training & Home Support
What Parents Learn in Parallel Sessions
- How to give single-step instructions
- Using timers and visual schedules
- Reinforcing successes within 3 seconds
- Managing sibling dynamics (internal linking) Our parenting workshops for ADHD and family therapy for ADHD empower you with these skills.
Simple Play Therapy Activities to Use at Home
- Backyard Obstacle Course: 2 minutes jumping jacks, 2 minutes puzzle—repeat 3 rounds.
- Feelings Charades: Act out “excited,” “bored,” and “frustrated,” then choose coping tools.
- Colour-Match Clean-Up: Race to sort toys into colour-labelled bins—strengthens categorisation and compliance.
Tracking Progress & Behaviour Charts
Download our free printable “Star Chart”:
| Behaviour | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homework started without reminder | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ |
| Used calm-down corner | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | ⭐ | |
| 10 stars = choose a family board-game night. | |||||
| (internal linking) Find more tools in our worksheets for ADHD children. |
Expected Results & Timeline
Short-Term Improvements (4–6 Weeks)
- 25% reduction in off-task behaviour during homework (measured by teacher checklist)
- Fewer tantrums when transitioning off screens
- Child can verbalise “I need a break” instead of bolting
Long-Term Outcomes (6–12 Months)
- Improved reading comprehension scores
- Sustained friendships (invited to 2+ birthday parties)
- Greater independence in morning routines (internal linking) These outcomes are the goal of our ADHD treatment.
Measuring Success: Tools We Use
- SNAP-IV every 12 weeks
- Teacher’s Weekly Behaviour Report Card
- Video clip comparisons of playroom focus times
- Parent Satisfaction Survey (internal linking) Success is tracked using formal ADHD assessments.