ADHD Tools: Visual Supports and Strategies
The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects about 5% of children. This guide presents visual tools and practical strategies to support attention difficulties, impulsivity, and hyperactivity in daily life.
⚡ Download our free ADHD tools
Visual TimerCalm Down
Active Breaks
📋 In this article
Understanding ADHD
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects executive functions. It is not a lack of will, motivation, or education. People with ADHD have a different brain functioning that impacts their ability to regulate attention, emotions, and behavior.
The three dimensions of ADHD
| Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Inattention | Difficulty maintaining attention, distractibility, frequent forgetfulness, loss of objects, difficulty following instructions |
| Hyperactivity | Motor agitation, difficulty staying seated, need to move, talks a lot |
| Impulsivity | Responds before the end of the question, does not wait their turn, interrupts others, hasty actions |
💡 Good to know
There are three presentations of ADHD: predominantly inattentive (formerly ADD), predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or combined. The inattentive profile is often underdiagnosed, especially in girls.
Support strategies
⏱️ Structure time
The visual timer makes time concrete and visible. It helps the child to orient themselves in time, anticipate transitions, and maintain attention on a time-limited task.
Download the Visual Timer🏃 Integrate movement
Active breaks allow for structured movement needs to be released. A few minutes of movement between activities recharge attention capacities.
Download Active Breaks🧘 Learn to calm down
Calm Down cards offer concrete techniques (breathing, grounding, movement) to help the child regulate their activation level.
Download Calm Down📋 Sequence tasks
Breaking complex tasks into visual steps helps maintain attention and provides clear markers. Each completed step is a small victory that motivates.
Download Visual SequencesOur downloadable tools
⏱️ Visual Timer
Visualize the passing time to better manage transitions and maintain attention.
Download🧘 Calm Down Cards
Emotional regulation techniques suitable for children.
Download🏃 Active Breaks
Short movement activities to recharge attention.
Download📋 Visual Sequences
Break down routines into clear and visual steps.
Download🌡️ Emotion Thermometer
Identify and express the intensity of emotions.
Download✅ Behavior Contract
Set clear goals and value progress.
DownloadSchool accommodations
- Strategic placement: Near the teacher, away from distractions
- Instructions: Short, one at a time, rephrased
- Time: Extra time, breaking up assessments
- Movement: Allow fidgets, breaks
- Encouragement: Positive reinforcement of appropriate behaviors
Frequently asked questions
ADHD is a persistent disorder. About 60% of children with ADHD continue to show significant symptoms in adulthood. However, manifestations evolve: motor hyperactivity often decreases, while attention difficulties and impulsivity persist.
The speech therapist addresses common associated disorders: oral or written language disorders, working memory difficulties, learning disorders. The speech therapist can also work on executive functions that impact language.
Screens do not cause ADHD, but excessive exposure can worsen symptoms (fragmented attention, impatience). It is recommended to limit screen time and prioritize activities that require sustained attention.
⚡ Ready to support ADHD?
Discover all the tools →Article written by the DYNSEO team. Last updated: December 2024.
