Building routines-ADHD

Building routines- ADHD

The importance of routines for children with ADHD

Creating and maintaining routines is important for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Structured routines can help improve focus, time management, and executive function for children with ADHD.

Routines provide external organisation that children with ADHD often struggle to maintain internally.

Benefits of routines for children with ADHD include:

Improved focus and concentration

Reduce procrastination

Enhanced time management skills

Reduced stress and anxiety

Increased independence and self-confidence

Reduced behaviour and emotional regulation

Establishing effective routines

Involve your child: Get your child involved in making routines and schedules. This helps them take ownership of their routine and gives them confidence.

Start small: Begin with one or two routines and gradually add complexity as your child adapts.

Use visual aids: Use images to support understanding, have clocks or timers. Some apps can help to your child visualise and track their routines and progress.

Variable amount of steps: For some children they may want tasks broken down into lots of small steps whereas others my prefer broader steps. Personalising like this makes routines more manageable and less overwhelming.

Incorporate movement breaks: Include physical activities within the routine to help manage hyperactivity and increase focus.

Allow for breaks: Schedule short breaks between tasks to help maintain focus and support self-regulation.

Allow for flexibility: While consistency is important, be prepared to make small adjustments as needed. Your plans may change, weather might affect the routine, or your child may have a different need that day, so it is important to be flexible.

Implementing and maintaining ADHD-friendly routines

Involve your child: Let them participate in creating the routine to increase buy-in and motivation.

Be consistent: Stick to the routine as much as possible, even on weekends.

Use positive reinforcement: Praise efforts and talk about how helpful routines are.

Be flexible: Allow for some adaptability within the structure to prevent frustration. Change things up when they aren’t working or to create novelty.
Review and adjust: Regularly assess the how your routines are working and make changes as needed.

By implementing routines, you can help your child with ADHD improve their daily functioning, reduce stress, and develop important life skills. Remember that consistency and patience are key to success in establishing and maintaining effective routines for children with ADHD.