Unlocking Potential: The Intersection Between ADHD and Play Therapy

ADHD and Play Therapy: Helping Kids Thrive Through Play

Children with ADHD often experience challenges with attention, impulse control, emotional regulation, and social interactions. Traditional talk therapy may not always be the best fit, especially for younger children who learn and express themselves through doing, not just talking. That’s where Play Therapy comes in.

Why Play Therapy Works for Kids with ADHD

Play Therapy uses the natural language of children—play—to help them explore feelings, develop coping skills, and practice self-regulation in a safe, supportive environment. For children with ADHD, play provides an engaging way to work on the core struggles they face, including:

• Impulsivity

• Emotional outbursts

• Difficulty following directions

• Social skill challenges

• Frustration tolerance

Through play, kids can practice self-control, build attention span, and gain insight into their emotions and behaviors—often without realizing they’re doing therapeutic work! While play therapy does not directly address the core symptoms of ADHD, it can provide insight into how to manage some of the symptoms by bringing awareness. In addition, play therapy allows therapists to address the sub-symptoms of ADHD, such as anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, and negative self-talk.

Key Benefits of Play Therapy for ADHD

✅ Improved Emotional RegulationChildren learn to recognize and manage big feelings through role play, storytelling, and creative activities.

✅ Enhanced Social SkillsPlay therapy provides opportunities to practice turn-taking, cooperation, and empathy in a fun, low-pressure setting.

✅ Increased Awareness of Focus and Attention DifficultiesTherapists use structured, goal-oriented play activities to help kids notice the length of their ability to focus, while tools are utilized to support kiddos with strategies to increase dopamine to elongate some of their attention abilities.

✅ Reduced ImpulsivityActivities involving waiting turns or following rules encourage impulse control in a developmentally appropriate and fun way.

✅ Strengthened Parent-Child RelationshipMany play therapists incorporate parent involvement, helping caregivers learn techniques they can use at home to support regulation and connection.

Common Play Therapy Approaches for ADHD

• Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT): Focuses on allowing the child to lead, fostering autonomy and self-confidence.

• Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy (CBPT): Combines CBT strategies with play to help children practice coping skills, anxiety, depression, and negative self-talk.

• Directive Play Therapy: Therapist-guided activities designed to target specific skills like impulse control and attention-building.

ADHD-Friendly Play Therapy Activities

• Role-Playing Games: Teaching social skills and problem-solving.

• Sensory Play: Using tactile activities (sand trays, playdough) to soothe and regulate.

• Movement-Based Games: Incorporating physical activity to match the child’s energy levels while reinforcing rules and boundaries.

• Art and Creative Expression: Helping kids explore emotions nonverbally through drawing, painting, or building.

Final Thought

Play Therapy meets kids with ADHD where they are—full of energy, curiosity, and creativity. By tapping into their natural way of processing the world, Play Therapy offers powerful tools for self-regulation, attention, and connection.

If you are a clinicians looking to learn more about supporting neurodivergent children through play. I would love to support you!

Alyse@flourishconsulting.com| Services