Exercises for ADHD and dyspraxia

ADHD and dyspraxia can occur in the same child. One affects attention, the other the planning and coordination of movements. Together, they make many everyday tasks difficult: writing, getting dressed, tidying up, playing sport. Here are exercises and adjustments suited to this double difficulty.

Two different disorders

Dyspraxia, or developmental coordination disorder, affects the ability to plan and carry out coordinated movements. The child is often clumsy, slow to get dressed, and struggles to write or cut things out. ADHD, on the other hand, affects attention and self-control. These are two distinct disorders, but they can be associated. An assessment makes it possible to identify them.

When they combine, the child has to put in a great deal of effort for movements that other children do without thinking. Their attention wears out quickly. They become discouraged. They can feel incapable. The difference between the two is explained on the page ADHD or dyspraxia.

Fine motor skills

Fine motor exercises train the precision of hand movements. Threading beads, handling modelling clay, cutting along a line, transferring seeds with tweezers. Start with simple activities, with large beads or tweezers that are easy to squeeze. Once the movement becomes secure, move on to smaller and more precise tasks. The child gains skill, and sees it for themselves.

Keep sessions short, suited to the child’s attention. Five to ten minutes is enough. Vary the activities to avoid boredom. Praise every step forward, however small. The child builds confidence in their hands. To go further on dyspraxia, the website LaDyspraxie offers dedicated resources.

Coordinating movements

Coordination games help the child better control their body. Throwing and catching a ball, hopping on one foot, walking along a line, following an obstacle course. These exercises also demand attention and concentration. They work on both difficulties at once. Most children experience them as playtime.

Choose games without competition, so the child does not compare themselves to others. Adjust the difficulty: a large soft ball before a small one, a wide line before a thin one. They succeed. They want to carry on. Other games are described on the page on exercises through movement.

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Finding one's way on the page and in the bedroom

A child with ADHD and dyspraxia often has difficulty organising themselves in space: on their page, in their school bag, in their bedroom. Help them with visual landmarks. Exercise books with large squares, coloured margins. Labelled storage boxes, with a picture of what goes inside.

You can also teach them to follow a simple plan for tidying their desk or packing their school bag. Step by step, with pictures. They gain independence. They lose less time looking for their things. The page packing your school bag sets out a method.

Simplifying writing

Writing is often very difficult for this child. It draws on both movement coordination and attention. It can be lightened: photocopies of lessons instead of copying, gap-fill texts, oral answers. Reduce the amount of written work required. Their energy then goes into understanding rather than forming letters.

For older children, the computer can become a valuable tool. Learning to type takes time, but it relieves the child a great deal afterwards. An occupational therapist can support this learning. Copying is covered on the page for copying without errors.

Getting dressed and everyday movements

Getting dressed, washing and eating neatly can take this child a long time. Break each task down into simple, illustrated steps. Choose clothes that are easy to put on, with Velcro rather than laces. Allow plenty of time, even if it means waking the child a little earlier. Avoid doing things for them, even when you are in a hurry, because every success matters to them.

A dressing chart, showing the order of clothes, helps them remember everything. You can time them if they enjoy challenges. They gain speed. They become more independent. Mornings are calmer for everyone. The page ADHD and getting ready in the morning offers more ideas.

Multidisciplinary support

When both disorders are present, several professionals may be involved. The occupational therapist works on everyday movements and handwriting. The psychomotor therapist works on coordination and attention. The psychologist or neuropsychologist supports attention and emotions. They benefit from working together.

To find these specialists near you, consult the directory ProfessionnelsDys. Occupational therapy and psychomotor therapy sessions are generally not reimbursed by the Assurance maladie, but some mutual insurers or the MDPH may help. Find out more. The page ADHD and the MDPH sets out the procedures.