Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are conditions that affect millions of children worldwide, impacting their ability to focus, process information, and regulate behavior. While these diagnoses present unique challenges, they also open the door to opportunities for growth and learning with the right support. Occupational and Speech therapy are two highly effective interventions that empower children with ADHD and ADD to thrive at school, home, and beyond.
ADHD and ADD are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by differences in attention, impulsivity, and activity levels. While ADHD typically involves hyperactivity, ADD is often associated with difficulties in sustaining attention without the hyperactive component. These conditions may lead to challenges such as:
Trouble focusing or following instructions
Struggles with organization and time management
Difficulty managing emotions or social interactions
Fortunately, therapies like occupational and speech therapy can directly address these areas, fostering independence and confidence in children.
Progressive Pediatric Therapy offers specialized therapeutic tools designed to support children with ADHD in developing focus, executive functioning skills, and emotional regulation.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) includes tools, from picture boards to advanced devices, that aid children with speech and language difficulties in communicating effectively. This comprehensive approach helps children who have challenges with verbal communication express their needs, thoughts, and ideas through various technological and non-technological methods.
Aquatic Therapy is a skilled treatment method used by therapists to enhance your child's functional abilities. The warm, buoyant water enables your child to feel free and have fun in therapy, in a natural environment! The water's buoyancy reduces stress on joints and muscles while providing resistance for strength building, making it particularly beneficial for children with movement limitations.
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy, or CI Therapy, is a family of treatments that teach the brain to "rewire" itself. As a result of engaging in repetitive exercises, focusing on use of the affected limb, the patient's brain "rewires" itself allowing the child to learn how to use their affected arm. Helps retrain the brain to improve use of an affected limb, benefiting children with conditions like Cerebral Palsy, stroke, and Brachial Plexus Injury.
Helps students master legible and fluent handwriting through a hands-on curriculum that complements Occupational Therapy with visual, tactile, auditory, and kinesthetic activities. This evidence-based program uses developmentally appropriate methods to teach children proper letter formation, spacing, and writing fluency through multisensory approaches.
Korro AI is an innovative platform revolutionizing occupational therapy with artificial intelligence. Designed to streamline therapy planning and enhance patient outcomes, Korro AI empowers therapists with data-driven insights, automated progress tracking, and personalized treatment recommendations. This cutting-edge technology helps optimize therapy sessions and provides objective measurements of progress.
Progressive Pediatric Therapy has partnered with Love Serving Autism to provide Speech, Occupational, Physical Therapy sessions while receiving Specialized Therapeutic Racquet Sports Instruction. This unique program offers instruction for all abilities, teaching communication, fine/gross motor skills, and life skills on the courts for goal of carry-over off the courts. Our Tennis Program helps works on social skills, motor coordination, and life skills like teamwork, listening, and respect.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) uses electrodes to transmit electrical impulses to targeted muscles, helping to facilitate weak or spastic movements. This therapeutic technique stimulates muscle contractions in children who have difficulty activating muscles voluntarily, helping to strengthen weak muscles and improve motor function.
Attend our clinics for expert orthotics evaluations and fittings, designed to improve mobility and ensure optimal comfort tailored to your needs. Children at PPT can attend monthly clinics for custom wheelchairs or orthotics, designed to enhance mobility and ensure proper postural alignment. These specialized devices support proper body alignment and improve functional mobility.
PPT uses cutting-edge tools like Galileo whole-body vibration platforms and Mano dumbbells to enhance therapy outcomes. Therapeutic vibration helps to optimize neuroplasticity, promote motor learning and decrease the complications of many childhood conditions that limit movement, sensory processing skills, and learning. A unique therapeutic intervention used to decrease muscle tightness, change habitual patterns of movement in a single joint, or improve range of motion.
The Turtle Brace is a specialized orthotic device designed to provide targeted support and positioning for children with specific postural or alignment needs. This custom-fitted brace helps maintain proper body positioning and supports therapeutic goals related to posture, movement patterns, and functional positioning during activities.
Children at PPT can attend monthly clinics for custom wheelchairs or orthotics, designed to enhance mobility and ensure proper postural alignment. Custom seating must account for a child's growth and evolving needs over the next five years. These comprehensive evaluations ensure that mobility equipment is properly fitted and optimized for each child's specific needs and growth trajectory.
DIR Floortime therapy at PPT transforms playtime into powerful learning moments. By following your child's lead and building on their natural interests, our therapists create meaningful connections that spark emotional growth, social understanding, and communication breakthroughs. Each session is uniquely designed around your child's sensory preferences and developmental stage, fostering skills through joyful engagement rather than structured tasks.
Occupational therapy (OT) is a holistic approach that focuses on improving a child's ability to perform daily tasks and participate fully in their environment. For children with ADHD and ADD, occupational therapists target key skills like:
Many children with ADHD/ADD struggle with processing sensory information, leading to distractions or overstimulation. OT helps them regulate sensory input through exercises and strategies, enhancing focus and calmness.
Occupational therapists teach organization, time management, and problem-solving skills, helping children build the foundation for academic and personal success.
For children with motor coordination challenges, OT provides activities to strengthen these skills, supporting tasks like writing, tying shoes, or playing sports.
Therapists work with children to develop coping strategies for managing emotions and impulsivity, which are common challenges in ADHD/ADD.
Speech therapy (SLP) is another essential support for children with ADHD/ADD, particularly when communication and language skills are affected. Speech therapists focus on:
Children with ADHD/ADD often struggle with conversational skills, such as taking turns, maintaining eye contact, or understanding social cues. Speech therapy builds these abilities to enhance peer relationships.
Therapists help children improve auditory processing and attention, enabling them to follow multi-step directions or focus on spoken instructions.
ADHD/ADD can make it challenging to structure thoughts or convey ideas clearly. Speech therapy targets these skills to foster better communication at home and in school.
By addressing language comprehension and expression, speech therapists help children with ADHD/ADD excel in reading, writing, and overall learning.
Combining
occupational and
speech therapy creates a comprehensive support system for children with ADHD/ADD. While OT focuses on functional and behavioral strategies, speech therapy hones communication and social interaction. Together, they build a strong foundation for children to navigate the complexities of their diagnoses.
Families often see dramatic improvements when children receive tailored occupational and speech therapy. From mastering daily routines to making new friends, these therapies help children unlock their potential, building a brighter future one step at a time.
Every child with ADHD or ADD has unique strengths waiting to be nurtured. Occupational and speech therapy provide the tools, strategies, and encouragement these children need to succeed. By addressing challenges holistically, these therapies empower children to achieve their goals and thrive in all areas of life.
For more information about ADHD/ADD and therapy options, contact us at Progressive Pediatric Therapy. Let us help your child unlock their full potential!
We empower children, families, and the community to learn, grow, and celebrate every child's unique abilities.
Quick Links
Clinic Locations
Site by Spearlance