Therapy for ADHD: How Therapy Can Help Children Thrive
Raising a child with ADHD can be incredibly challenging. Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often struggle with attention, impulsivity, and emotional regulation. These difficulties can impact their learning, social interactions, and overall well-being. Many parents also find it hard to keep their child focused in school or manage behaviors at home. While medication can help manage symptoms, therapy offers essential long-term support that empowers children to develop the skills they need to thrive at school, home, and beyond. Here are four effective types of therapy for children with ADHD:
1. Behavior Therapy (BT) – For ADHD With Disruptive Behaviors
Behavior therapy is one of the most recommended treatments for ADHD. It focuses on helping children learn positive behaviors while reducing disruptive ones. Therapists use structured techniques such as reward systems, clear expectations, and consistent consequences to help children improve focus, self-control, and emotional regulation.
Parents play a key role in behavior therapy. They learn strategies to reinforce the child’s progress at home, creating consistency and reducing confusion for the child.
Example: A child who frequently has meltdowns—hitting, kicking, screaming, running away, or using hurtful words—can learn through therapy that “it’s okay to feel upset, but not okay to act out.” Parents are also guided to respond calmly and reinforce positive behaviors, helping the child build better emotional regulation.
2. Social Skills Training – For ADHD Children Who Struggle to Make Friends
Many children with ADHD find it difficult to pick up on social cues, wait their turn, or manage conflicts with peers. Social skills training helps them learn how to build and maintain friendships. This can be done through one-to-one therapy or in small groups where children practice key social behaviors.
Example: With role-playing and interactive games, children learn how to take turns, listen during conversations, and resolve disagreements. These safe practice environments also help them experience the joy of making and keeping friends, while learning to manage their impulses.
3. Play Therapy – For ADHD Children With Emotional Challenges
Children with ADHD may also experience emotional challenges such as frustration, anxiety, or low self-esteem. Play therapy allows them to express emotions through play—something that feels natural and safe for them.
Example: A child who has difficulty expressing feelings through words may act them out during play. A trained therapist observes and guides the child through this process, helping them understand their emotions and develop healthier ways to respond. Over time, this builds confidence and improves emotional regulation.
4. Family Therapy / Parenting Coaching – For Families Affected by ADHD
ADHD doesn’t just affect the child—it impacts the entire family. Parents may feel overwhelmed or burnt out, and siblings might feel neglected or frustrated. Family therapy helps improve communication and reduces stress within the household.
Example: Parents and siblings learn how to work together as a team. Parents are coached on how to create a structured, positive home environment that reduces conflict and supports the child’s development.
Support for Parents of Children With ADHD
Are you a parent of a child with ADHD and feeling unsure where to start? You’re not alone—and help is available. At Kidz Steps Centre, our psychologists and therapists provide individualized support for both children and families.
We offer a free consultation to help you understand how therapy can benefit your child. Whether you’re looking for behavioral support, emotional guidance, or social skills training, we’re here to walk this journey with you.
Helping Children with ADHD: The Positive Impact of Behavior Therapy
