Researchers have found evidence for the use of movement tools, but there are some children with whom these tools have the opposite effect.
Occupational therapists often advise parents and teachers to let children with ADHD use a variety of movement tools within the classroom. Some of my favorites include:
1. Wiggle Seat Cushions
13″ Stability Disc with Hand Pump $6.29 Add-On Amazon. These are a great deal, and not always available at this price. The usual price is closer to $14.00 each. These can be used on chairs or the floor.
2. Curved Bottom Stools
KORE on Amazon 10”, 12”, 14”, 16” Modles available. $69.99
IKEA NILSERIK Seat height: 20 1/8 ” to 28″ $49.99
3. Chair Kick Bands
4. Standing Desk
Houzz Moves in height from 30.5″ to 42.5″ $164.08
Flash Furniture on Amazon (Adjustable Range 29” – 40.75”) $94.42
4. Movement Breaks
For children who have a high need to move, above and beyond regularly scheduled recess and physical education times, movement breaks can make a huge difference in their ability to attend, maintain focus, and have access to their working memory. Movement breaks are individually assigned by your child’s OT or Special Education teacher. I have created a resource that is designed teach children a variety of movement and breathing activities while collecting data to reveal which types of breaks are most effective for the individual child. Self-Regulation Skills Taught on TpT $19.99
Evidence for the effectiveness of the use of wiggle cushions, stools, standing desk, & movement breaks
It turns out that science continues to provide evidence for the positive use of movement within the classroom. Sarver, Dustin E., et al. in their study Hyperactivity in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Impairing Deficit or Compensatory Behavior found that activity level had a significantly positive effect on working memory for children with ADHD.
A WORD of Caution:
While the majority of students with ADHD could do better on cognitive tasks when they were moving, the opposite was found to be true for typically developing boys. Teachers who practice principles of RTI might also consider promoting classroom cultures where every child gets what they need. If sitting on a wobble stool helps you to think and remember use it, but if it interferes don’t use it.
Researchers found that while movement options for kids with ADHD consistently helped working memory, it does not always help with task performance. While 50% of the ADHD children tested to do better with tasks, 17% performance deteriorated. What that means for us as therapists, parents, and teachers, is there is not one best method for every child. We must also look at what the task requirements are and how the individual child responds in order to make our best recommendations.
Reference: Sarver, Dustin E., et al. “Hyperactivity in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Impairing deficit or compensatory behavior?.” Journal of abnormal child psychology 43.7 (2015): 1219-1232.
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