ADHD Experts Podcast 208- 9 Ways Occupational Therapy Tackles the Symptoms of ADHD
Jun 26, 2018
Kara Koscinski, a veteran pediatric occupational therapist and mother of two with ADHD, shares transformative strategies for helping children thrive. She discusses how breaking tasks into manageable steps and sensory interventions can boost focus and confidence. From enhancing fine motor skills through creative activities to using fidget tools effectively, Kara emphasizes individualized approaches. She highlights the importance of early intervention and collaboration with schools, aiming to foster emotional well-being and independence in children with ADHD.
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Play Is A Child's Occupation
- Play is the primary 'job' where children learn motor, cognitive, and social skills through natural activity.
- Occupational therapy frames interventions as adapting play to build those underlying skills for real-life success.
Analyze Activities Into Manageable Steps
- Use activity analysis: break a play or school task into tiny steps to find where the child struggles.
- Adapt the activity so the child experiences success and builds confidence before increasing complexity.
Rearranging A Room Became A Teaching Moment
- Kara asked her sons to move three pieces of furniture and they could not plan the steps, which caused a meltdown.
- She had them draw a map and use baby steps with small rewards to make the task manageable.
