16 fun learning aids for kids with ADHD, as recommended by psychologists
Halley Bondy
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- Children with ADHD may struggle to focus on tasks and complete games or activities that their peers do with ease.
- It can be difficult for caregivers to determine which games, toys, and learning tools are best for kids with ADHD, so we spoke with several psychologists to learn what to look for.
- Based on the experts' recommendations, we compiled a list of 16 learning aids for kids with ADHD that are both educational and fun.
For parents and guardians, choosing activities for their kids with ADHD can feel challenging.
Inattention and hyperactivity associated with ADHD can lead to difficulty focusing on tasks, impulsivity, and frustration. Children with the diagnosis may struggle to complete games and use educational tools that seem straightforward to their peers.
However, it's not that kids with ADHD need separate learning tools or that they can't participate in standard learning. In fact, it's critical to empower kids with ADHD to do regular tasks while working at their level.
"Parents don't have to go for something that's specifically marketed for [kids with ADHD]," said psychologist Ronald T. Brown, dean of the School of Integrated Health Sciences at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. "It's about getting something that, for younger children, the parent and kid can do together that involves strategy and reinforcement."
It's important for parents to choose activities with forethought, intention, and participation in mind, according to experts. They also need to know their kids really well and embrace who they are.
We spoke to psychologists to compile these tips for choosing learning tools for elementary-age kids with ADHD, and we include expert-vetted product suggestions as well.
One size does not fit allLike all children, kids with ADHD have unique interests. They also have unique challenges, according to child psychologist Nekeshia Hammond, who specializes in ADHD and learning disabilities through her Florida firm Hammond Psychology & Associates, P.A.
"Some kids are very impulsive and have problems with hyperactivity or inattention. Not all of them have hyperactivity, however, so it's important to recognize what the struggle is first," Hammond said. Some children may experience hyperactivity only, inattention only, or a combination of these ADHD symptoms.
Developmental level is another major variable, according to Brown. What doesn't work for a 7-year-old may work perfectly for a 10-year-old, for example.
"Generally you want something that's not going to insult their intellectual level, yet at the same time, it must be manageable. You can't say that one size fits all."
Because of the variation in learning styles, Brown suggests that parents test out the products before giving them to their child.
Opt for shorter activitiesMany children with ADHD have difficulty completing a task. Avoid very long-term tasks or divide them into smaller increments to allow a child to have an achievable goal.
"If you've got a chapter book, read it one chapter at a time, or set a time goal," said Brown. "You want to emphasize completion of a task."
Rules should be straightforwardChildren with ADHD can become easily frustrated, and high levels of frustration can get in the way of their learning process. Many children with ADHD need clear rules with limited steps. Brown recommends avoiding activities with abstract rules. This is especially necessary in group activities, where children with ADHD may have trouble taking turns or collaborating with their peers.
Emphasize routine and organizationLearning tools don't always come in the form of games or books. For a child with ADHD who struggles to keep their belongings straight, simple organizational tools can be educational.
Hammond recommends age-appropriate products that emphasize routine and organization, such as calendars, to-do lists, color-coded storage bins, or backpacks with simple compartments for sorting.
Work on memoryMany kids with ADHD struggle with their working memory, which is a type of short-term memory. Luckily, many products provide fun, effective ways to enhance this skill. Hammond likes games similar to the classic matching game Concentration, which can be played solo, in groups, with regular playing cards or with specialty matching cards.
Participate and strategize with your childParents should plan to participate in educational activities with their child. Even the best games may not hold a child's attention, or they may need help understanding the rules. Brown recommends forming a strategy with your child to tackle each task, like dividing a "Where's Waldo" page into sections in order to help a child focus.
Offer positive reinforcementWhen children with ADHD are engaging in learning activities, parents should provide regular positive reinforcement. A study from the University of Buffalo found that performance-based reinforcement increased sustained attention in children with ADHD.
Products themselves might have built-in positive reinforcement. Hammond recommends looking at items with inspirational quotes and congratulatory elements when kids do a good job.
"The child can earn stickers or even something non-physical, like staying up a little bit later or extra video game time," said Hammond.
Here are our top picks for learning tools for elementary school-age children with ADHD:Therapeutic cards with simple drawing prompts
Licensed art therapist Elitsa Velikova developed this set of 22 colorful illustrated cards. Each card comes with a prompt, like "draw yourself as a superhero" or "paint freely with your fingers." Kids with ADHD can follow the short, simple instructions. The pack also comes with a booklet for parents that explains the therapeutic value of each card.
Age range: 4 to 11 years old
Skills: self-expression, feelings management, following rules
A heartwarming book about a boy with ADHD
It's not necessary to buy products marketed specifically for kids with ADHD, but Magination Press — which features 23 titles about children with the diagnosis — is definitely a publisher to consider. One of the titles, "My Twirling, Whirling Motor," stars a kid named Charlie who has trouble settling down. The author, psychologist Merriam Sarcia Saunders, also wrote a book starring a little girl called "My Wandering Dream Mind."
Age range: 4 to 8 years old
Skills: reading comprehension, helps children with ADHD feel less alone
A fidget toy with real results
Kids with ADHD often have trouble knowing what to do with their hands, according to Hammond. There are many fidget toys on the market, but the soft, rubber Tangle Therapy gadget is an FDA-registered medical device that can be used for building hand muscle performance and calming down a hyperactive mind. Kids can fidget and reap cognitive and physical health benefits at the same time.
Age range: All ages
Skills: restlessness reduction, anxiety reduction, fine motor skills
An animal matching memory game
Parents and kids love eeBoo's Life on Earth Memory Game. The high-quality cardboard tiles will last for a long time. Tiles feature bright, adorable animal and nature illustrations, including chameleons, acorns, and flowers. Kids can play alone or in groups while building their working memory muscles.
Age range: 5 to 8 years old
Skills: working and spatial memory, focus on the task at hand, group social skills, following rules, strategy
An organizer for all those art supplies
For kids with ADHD, keeping track of art supplies can be particularly difficult. If they have to keep getting up to find the scissors or colored pencils, their focus can be quickly derailed. The Create-a-Space Storage Center is a fun way to keep art supplies in one place, allowing kids to complete the project at hand without distraction. The 10-piece station can be used at home or at school.
Age range: 5 years and older
Skills: organization, focus on the task at hand, self-expression
A set of classic board games for the whole family
When it comes to family board games, nothing beats the classics. This set from Childcraft bundles Twister, Sorry!, Connect 4, and Trouble. These games come with simple, fun rules and no stressful timers. Kids with ADHD can use them to practice cooperation and taking turns. Plus, the whole family can participate in the fun.
Age range: 5 years and older
Skills: group social skills, patience and taking turns, following rules, strategy, fine motor skills
An app to keep up the routine
Adults keep their lives organized using workflow and calendar apps, so why shouldn't kids do the same? Choiceworks is an organizational app with tons of ADHD-friendly features, such as a feelings scale, a fun scheduling board, and exercises that help kids learn to wait patiently. Parents can also print materials if a child is more responsive to physical charts.
Age range: 4 years and older
Skills: patience and taking turns, organization, managing feelings
Color-coded bins for easy cleanup
A clean room will help children with ADHD feel less overwhelmed. This organizer with storage bins offers an easy, color-coded method of putting away and finding stuff. Kids can memorize what goes where, allowing them to feel a sense of mastery over their toys, clothes, and more. The wooden frame is 33 inches tall by 31 inches wide and comes with 12 plastic bins of varying sizes.
Age range: All ages. Parent assembly required.
Skills: organization, following rules
A classic search book for strategizing skills
For decades, Martin Handford's Waldo books have provided joy and challenges to children the world over. Today, kids still love searching for the guy in the striped hat. For children with ADHD, Waldo books are great ways to focus on one, simple task and build a strategy — such as breaking up the page into parts. The deluxe edition comes with a poster and additional activities.
Age range: 5 to 9 year old
Skills: following rules, strategy, focus on the task at hand
An artsy activity chart to keep kids on track
(available mid-September 2020)
This felt chart is great for kids who need visual aids to keep track of their tasks and chores. Kids earn stars for completing each task, which is a great way to reinforce good behavior and keep them motivated. It includes 20 illustrated task patches like "Take Out Trash," "Clothes in Laundry Basket," and "Brush My Teeth."
Age range: 3 years and older
Skills: motivation, organization
A puzzle with the right amount of pieces
With 51 pieces, this puzzle is manageable but delightfully different from standard puzzles. The 2-by-3-foot T-rex and accompanying mini-dinos contain edge pieces for easy strategizing, but the puzzle is in a challenging, non-square shape. The pieces pack up into a box with a handle so kids can carry it around. It's great for solo or group play.
Age range: 5 years and older
Skills: strategy, focus on the task at hand, group social skills, fine motor skills
Fun backpacks that won't frustrate
Kids with ADHD often lose their school supplies, or they get confused when their backpacks have multiple compartments. The Kane Kids backpacks only have one inside compartment for large items, an outside zipper compartment for small ones, and two little side pockets that can hold water bottles. Kids can easily remember what goes where. The backpacks come in a whopping 42 patterns, so there is something for every kid.
Age range: 5 to 10 years old
Skills: organization
A comfy chair for fidgety kids
This acclaimed chair will make your child feel like they are sitting inside of a hug. Developed with an occupational therapist consultant, HowdaHUG is a lightweight, versatile chair made from wood and canvas. Fidgety kids have some range of movement in the chair, though the cozy containment promotes focus and calm.
Age range: All ages, see sizing
Skills: restlessness reduction, focus on the task at hand
An art table with a place for everything
Arts and crafts don't have to be all over the house. The KidKraft table provides a space for everything, from supplies to painting and drying. It comes with a paper roll and plastic cups. Kids can hang their creations on a drying rack, eliminating the need to scramble for a space for wet, dripping art projects. Having a designated space for projects can help kids with ADHD stay focused.
Age range: 3 years and older
Skills: organization, self-expression, focus on the task at hand
Noise-cancelling headphones to enhance focus
Noise-cancelling headphones allow kids with ADHD to focus by eliminating household distractions. The comfortable, high-quality PuroQuiet headphones can connect to any Bluetooth device so kids can roam freely around the house without worrying about wires. Volume is capped at 85 decibels, making it safe for kids who like to play with knobs.
Age range: 2 years and older
Skills: focus on the task at hand
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