Best Sports and Activities for Children with ADHD

If you are a parent of a child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) you know how difficult it can be to find an appropriate outlet for your child's energy that can hold his or her attention in a productive and constructive manner. There are several sports and activities in which your child can participate that will not only hold his attention but may also alleviate some of the symptoms of ADHD. As far as sports and activities go, there is no one magical activity that will work for all children, although the first sport I will mention comes rather close. Every child is different and therefore responds differently to different situations and settings. For some, team sports is out as they find it difficult to work together with peers; for others, team sports can be a godsend and give your child exactly what they need. In any case, action and constant activity is usually the name of the game and personal attention doesn't hurt either.

1. The number one activity, universally agreed upon by parents, doctors, and those with ADHD themselves is Martial Arts such as Karate or Tae Kwan Do. In ADDitude online, Patricia Quinn a leading specialist in ADHD says that this activity is so good because "martial arts are all about control" and "there is an element of meditation." Self-control is what bringing ADHD under wraps is all about. Your child will love the feeling of learning how to defend himself and relish the instruction which is done step-by-step and is totally immersing. Many parents claim that martial arts becomes a driving force in their children's lives that continues to serve as model for behavior in their personal lives.

2. The number two activity is swimming. Swimming is great for ADHD children because it is totally immersing in activity. Swimming is in a category with a few other sports which can be considered primarily as modes mobility or transportation such as running and bicycling. The movements work several muscle groups and concentration is required especially as top speeds.

3. Outdoor Living, Camping, or Scouting activities have done wonders for many with ADHD. Adult-Child-ADD-ADHD, claims that in University of Illinois studies have shown that spending time in nature improves ADHD symptoms. They have found that remote and completely natural surroundings are best and longer periods such as all day fishing trips and overnight camping stays are more effective. Joining a local chapter of boy or girl scouts and attending a nature camp in the summer are great activities to pursue.

4. Tennis is one of the best sports that a child with ADHD can get into. It combines individuality with constant action and the need for concentration. Energy will be burned without having to deal with teammates and in instruction, your child will receive all the attention. The only problem with tennis is dealing with frustration in personal failures or bad calls and, as can often be seen in the professional arena, the court provides a great venue for tantrums. That being said, it is still one of the top 5.

5. Building/woodworking/mechanics. Although this is not actually a sport, many ADHD children love to put things together, build things, and solve puzzles. Start off with erector sets or modeling kits and if your child takes to it, work up to more challenging activities such as combustion engines and automotive mechanics.

Like all people, each child with ADHD is different and has different tastes and likes. The best activity or sport for one child will not necessarily be good or hold the attention of another. Try any of these five activities and see how it goes from there.

Sources:

Dr. Sears, "A.D.D. & A.D.H.D.", AskDrSears.com

D. Steven Ledingham, "Best and worst after-school activities for children with ADHD", Parentcenter

"Summer Sports for AD/HD Children", ADDitude

"Activities for children with ADHD", Adult-Child-ADD-ADHD