ADHD exercise: switching from one task to another

Stopping a game to sit down for a meal, changing exercise in class, coping with an unexpected event: these transitions are often difficult for a child with ADHD. They may get stuck on an activity they enjoy, or get upset when asked to change. This ability to move from one thing to another is called cognitive flexibility. Here are some exercises to work on it.

Changing, a real effort

Mental flexibility allows us to move from one task to another, change strategy, and adapt to a new situation. In children with ADHD, it can be fragile. They may find it hard to tear themselves away from an activity that captivates them, especially a screen. They may also struggle to change method when their own isn’t working. They become tense.

Transitions then become a source of conflict: they refuse to stop, they get upset, they dawdle. This is not necessarily defiance. It is often a real difficulty in changing course. We can help by preparing transitions and training flexibility. Hyperfocus is described on the page ADHD and hyperfocus.

Announcing transitions

The first help, very simple, is to warn the child before a change. In five minutes, we sit down to eat. In two minutes, you switch off the tablet. They have time to get ready. They finish what they are doing. They accept it better.

A visual timer makes the warning even more concrete. The child sees the time remaining before the change. They can get organised. They do not experience the stop as a sudden interruption. Conflicts decrease. See also ADHD and meltdowns.

The sorting game that changes

A classic game for flexibility involves sorting cards according to a rule, then changing the rule. First by colour. Then by shape. Then by number. The child must drop the old rule and apply the new one. It is not easy.

You can make the cards with shapes in different colours. Announce the rule. The child sorts. Change the rule without warning. They have to adapt. They learn to change strategy. They enjoy it when they understand the trick.

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Reversed rule games

Games where the rules are reversed also train flexibility. When I say high, you point to low. When I say day, you say night. The child has to inhibit their usual response and give another one. They stay focused. They often laugh at their mistakes.

You can also play a reversed war, where the smallest card wins. Or a reversed Simon says, where they do the opposite of the instruction. The child adapts their reasoning. They become more supple. They discover that rules can be changed. Control of automatic reactions is covered in more depth on the page on reducing impulsivity.

Finding several solutions

To develop flexibility, we can also suggest looking for several solutions to a problem. How can we get to school? On foot, by bike, by bus, by car. What can a box be used for? Storing things, building a robot, making a drum. The child searches. They discover there are several ways of doing things.

You can also play at finding other uses for everyday objects. A spoon can be used for eating, digging, or making music. The child lets their imagination run free. They loosen up their thinking. They are often very creative. Children with ADHD are often full of ideas.

Reassuring routines

Paradoxically, clear routines help the child cope better with changes. When the day is predictable, they know what is going to happen. Transitions are expected. They are less surprised. They adapt better.

You can display the day’s schedule with pictures. Unusual changes can also be marked on it: a visit to the doctor, an outing, a birthday. These events no longer take them by surprise. They prepare for them. They are less stressed. Routines are detailed on ADHD and routines, with examples.

An outside view

Flexibility is one of the executive functions often assessed during the neuropsychological assessment. If it is particularly fragile, exercises and adjustments may be suggested. The psychologist can help the child better manage transitions and unexpected events. They also advise the family. Daily life becomes calmer.

To find a psychologist or a neuropsychologist, the directory ProfessionnelsDys lets you search by town and profession. You can look at the profiles there. They present each professional’s approaches. Autism, which can also cause difficulties with flexibility, is covered on the page ADHD and autism.