Sports and ADHD

Especially in the field of ADHD therapy, the inclusion of sport is increasingly being taken into account. On the one hand, sports can be used to consume excess energy and to work out, on the other hand, depending on the type of sport, sport requires a certain degree of teamwork, which, among other things, must be developed gradually. This is one of the reasons why ADHD children – even more so than “normal” children – should pay attention to the ideal fit of the sport.

It is not always advisable to simply register an ADHD child with a sports club. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, an individual trainer who is not / has not been sufficiently informed about the symptoms and clinical picture of ADHD can be unrestrainedly overwhelmed by the situation (under certain circumstances: conflict situation). It is therefore advisable not only to act in accordance with the child’s interests, but also to discuss the child’s specific wishes with the therapist.

Furthermore, in many places there are certain therapeutic measures which are oriented on a sporting level and are supervised by experienced trainers / therapists. Educational counselling centres can and should always be called upon when problems arise in the education of children and young people and parents can no longer solve these problems on their own. Educational counselling centres cover a large field of educational problem-solving assistance, but can offer very differentiated advice and/or assistance in a special way.

In order for parents to be able to turn to educational counselling centres for help, they must first admit that they can no longer cope with the problems that have arisen on their own. This insight is often not easy and is certainly painful, but this admission is also the first way out of the problem area. Educational advisors are in principle obliged to secrecy, unless parents/guardians release them from the obligation of secrecy.

In the case of problems which extend in a special way to the school area, one should release the educational counselling from the duty of confidentiality for the sake of the child. Furthermore, one should report openly and honestly about the existing problems from the very beginning. Only in this way can it be guaranteed that the assistance has a chance of success.

As soon as the first facts have been discussed in the course of the so-called initial interview and, under certain circumstances, some causes have already been identified, the diagnostic investigation should follow after the initial interview. Once the diagnosis has been made, individual aspects become visible, so that an individual support plan can be drawn up following the diagnostic assessment, which can draw on the various therapeutic sub-areas. Educational counselling centres are offered by various organisations.