Occupational therapy (OT) is a health profession focused on helping people across the lifespan participate in the everyday activities they want and need to do. This therapeutic approach utilizes daily activities, often called “occupations,” to promote health, well-being, and functional ability. For individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), OT addresses the specific challenges that impact a person’s ability to engage successfully in their life roles. The core philosophy involves adapting environments and teaching skills to enable participation, viewing ADHD as a challenge to functional participation rather than solely a behavioral issue.
Defining Functional Performance in Daily Life
Occupational therapists view the symptoms of ADHD—such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity—through the lens of “occupational performance.” This framework considers how these neurological differences create barriers to completing essential life tasks, or occupations. Occupations encompass a broad range of activities, including self-care (hygiene and dressing), productivity (schoolwork or employment), and leisure (socializing and play).
The ultimate goal is not to eliminate ADHD traits but to empower individuals to achieve success and satisfaction in these vital life roles. OT practitioners specifically look at how a person initiates, sustains, and completes daily tasks, as well as their overall participation in educational or vocational settings. By addressing these functional impairments, occupational therapy helps bridge the gap between a person’s potential and their actual performance.
Improving Executive Function Skills
Executive function refers to the cognitive skills that control abilities and behaviors, including planning, organization, working memory, and time management. Since ADHD involves significant deficits in these functions, OT dedicates intervention to teaching skills and providing external supports. Therapists frequently use “task chunking,” which involves breaking down complex projects into smaller, more manageable steps. This systematic approach supports better task initiation and follow-through.
To bolster organization and working memory, OTs introduce structured tools and visual aids that serve as external scaffolding. This can include implementing color-coding systems for materials, creating visual schedules or checklists, and using graphic organizers to structure thoughts. Time management, a common challenge in ADHD often referred to as “time blindness,” is addressed using physical and digital supports.
Time-assistive devices (TADs), such as visual timers, alarms, and reminder apps, help individuals track the duration of activities and stay on schedule. OTs also teach self-monitoring strategies, guiding individuals to pause, assess their progress, and correct course when they become distracted or disorganized.
Modulating Sensory Input and Environment
Many individuals with ADHD experience differences in sensory processing, manifesting as being overly responsive to stimuli or seeking excessive sensory input. Occupational therapy addresses this by helping to regulate the individual’s arousal level to an optimal state for attention and focus. OTs often create a “sensory diet,” a planned schedule of sensory input activities designed to provide the right amount of stimulation throughout the day.
For those easily overwhelmed by noise or visual clutter, environmental modifications are recommended. This can involve reducing the number of objects on a desk, using task-specific containers, or incorporating noise-canceling headphones to minimize auditory distractions. Conversely, for individuals who seek movement, integrating planned movement breaks, such as using a mini-trampoline or engaging in rhythmic, repetitive activities, can satisfy the need for input and improve focus.
Deep pressure activities, such as using weighted blankets or wearing compression garments, can provide a calming, grounding input that helps reduce sensory overload and anxiety. By regulating the sensory system through these techniques, the individual is better able to maintain a calm, focused state, which reduces impulsivity and enhances their ability to engage in cognitive tasks.