Is Play Therapy Effective for ADHD?

Last Updated on May 20, 2025 by John Hookway

While most people think of ADHD treatment as primarily medication-based, an increasingly powerful tool is emerging from the most natural activity children engage in: play.

Recent studies show that structured play therapy can reduce ADHD symptoms by up to 46% in children ages 4-12, offering a promising alternative or complement to traditional treatments.

This therapeutic approach harnesses children’s innate tendency to express themselves through play, transforming common activities into powerful tools for developing attention spans, impulse control, and social skills. As parents and healthcare providers seek comprehensive ADHD management strategies, play therapy stands out as a research-backed intervention that speaks a child’s language.

ADHD

What is ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects both children and adults. It appears in about 5-7% of children worldwide and continues into adulthood for roughly 2.5% of the population.

The condition shows through specific patterns of behavior that impact daily functioning:

• Attention Issues: Problems staying focused, remembering tasks, and avoiding distractions
• High Activity Levels: Constant movement, fidgeting, difficulty remaining seated
• Quick Reactions: Acting without thinking things through, interrupting others

These behaviors often lead to:

• Poor academic performance
• Challenges in making and keeping friends
• Problems completing tasks
• Difficulties managing emotions
• Lower self-confidence

For many individuals with adult ADHD symptoms, these challenges affect multiple areas of life, including school, relationships, and daily activities.

Common Signs and Daily Challenges

Living with ADHD involves three main behavioral patterns that affect everyday activities:

Inattention:

• Losing focus during conversations or tasks
• Missing important details in schoolwork
• Forgetting daily responsibilities
• Getting distracted by unrelated thoughts or activities

Hyperactivity:

• Moving constantly, even when seated
• Running or climbing at inappropriate times
• Talking excessively
• Difficulty engaging in quiet activities

Impulsivity:

• Speaking out of turn
• Making quick decisions without considering outcomes
• Acting before thinking through consequences

These behaviors create practical challenges in:

• Academic performance – incomplete assignments and poor grades
• Social interactions – trouble maintaining friendships
• Daily organization – missed deadlines and lost items
• Emotional well-being – frequent frustration and low self-esteem

Many children with ADHD experience these difficulties across multiple settings, from the classroom to play therapy sessions to home life.

Play Therapy

Play therapy uses structured play activities to help children express feelings and learn new skills. Through play, children work through their challenges in a natural, age-appropriate way.

This therapeutic approach works through several methods:

Child-centered play therapy (CCPT)

• Children guide the play activities
• The power of play provides support and reflection
• Builds self-understanding through natural expression

Cognitive-behavioral play therapy

• Combines play with learning strategies
• Helps develop problem-solving skills
• Practices new behaviors through games

Group play therapy

• Children interact with peers
• Develops social abilities
• Practices cooperation and turn-taking

Each type offers specific benefits for ADHD symptoms:

• Improved attention span
• Better emotional control
• Enhanced social interaction
• Stronger self-regulation
• Reduced impulsive behaviors

Children respond well to these methods because play is their natural way of communicating and learning.

Research Shows Promise for Play Therapy in ADHD Treatment

Studies point to clear benefits of play therapy for children with ADHD. Research findings show improvements in:

• Executive function and attention spans
• Social interactions with peers
• Self-control during activities
• Emotional expression

A 2024 analysis of multiple studies confirmed that play therapy reduces common ADHD behaviors. Children showed notable progress in:

• Staying focused on tasks
• Following directions
• Managing impulsive reactions
• Working with others

When combined with medication, play therapy adds extra benefits. Tests show children make better progress than with medication alone. Parents and therapists report:

• Longer attention spans during activities
• Less disruptive behavior
• Better classroom performance
• Improved friendships

Professional assessment tools measure these positive changes, supporting play therapy as an effective ADHD treatment option.

Expert Opinions and Real Results

Clinical specialists consistently note that play therapy helps children with ADHD build skills that other treatments may miss. Mental health professionals point to specific gains in:

• Better emotional control
• Stronger social connections
• Increased self-confidence

Recent case examples show clear progress:

• An 8-year-old boy improved his classroom focus after 12 weeks of play therapy
• A 6-year-old girl learned to wait her turn and share with peers
• A 10-year-old reduced outbursts and made new friends

Parents report meaningful changes:

• “My son can sit through dinner now”
• “She’s making friends at school for the first time”
• “His teacher noticed he’s raising his hand instead of calling out”

Therapists track measurable improvements in:

• Time spent on tasks
• Following instructions
• Playing cooperatively with others
• Managing strong feelings

Limitations and Considerations of Play Therapy

Play therapy works best for children ages 4-12, with less clear benefits for teenagers and adults with ADHD. Success rates vary based on:

• Individual symptom severity
• Presence of other conditions
• Child’s interest in play activities

Some practical challenges include:

• Finding qualified play therapists with ADHD experience
• Limited insurance coverage for sessions
• Scheduling regular appointments
• Maintaining consistent attendance

The approach may face additional hurdles:

• Different therapists use varying methods
• Long-term results need more study
• Some children resist structured play activities
• Older children might outgrow certain child-centered play therapy techniques

Parents should consider their child’s specific needs and circumstances when deciding if play therapy fits their treatment plan.

Comparison with Other ADHD Interventions

Common ADHD treatments work differently to address symptoms:

Medication:

• Quick symptom relief
• Helps brain chemistry
• May cause side effects
• Doesn’t teach new skills

Behavioral Therapy:

• Uses rewards and consequences
• Builds specific habits
• Requires consistent practice
• Works well with routines

Play Therapy:

• Focuses on emotional growth
• Builds social abilities
• Works best for younger children
• Needs qualified specialists

Combined Treatment:

• Medication + therapy approaches
• Addresses multiple needs
• May cost more
• Often shows better results

Play therapy adds unique benefits when used with other treatments:

• Helps process feelings
• Practices social skills
• Builds confidence
• Reduces anxiety

Each approach has specific strengths, making a mix of treatments often most effective for children with ADHD.

Recommendations for Parents

When considering play therapy for a child with ADHD, parents should:

• Start early – ages 4-12 typically show the best results
• Look for therapists certified in play therapy with ADHD experience
• Check credentials through ProvenExpert.com reviews
• Request initial consultations to assess fit

Choose programs that offer:

• Individual treatment plans based on your child’s needs
• Regular progress updates
• Parent involvement opportunities
• Clear communication channels

Support your child’s progress by:

• Setting regular session times
• Following through with at-home activities
• Maintaining open dialogue about therapy
• Tracking behavioral changes
• Working with teachers to monitor school progress

Questions to ask potential therapists:

• What ADHD-specific techniques do you use?
• How do you measure progress?
• What’s the typical length of treatment?
• How do you involve parents in the process?

Keep records of:

• Session outcomes
• Behavior changes at home
• School performance updates
• Social interaction improvements

Summary and Take-Home Messages

Research confirms play therapy helps reduce ADHD symptoms in children ages 4-12. Key benefits include better attention spans, improved social skills, and reduced impulsive behaviors.

Best results come from:

• Working with qualified play therapists
• Combining play therapy with other treatments
• Maintaining consistent session attendance
• Including parent participation

Parents should consider:

• Child’s age and symptom severity
• Therapist qualifications and experience
• Insurance coverage and scheduling options
• Available support resources

Success depends on:

• Regular attendance at sessions
• Following through with recommended activities
• Tracking behavioral changes
• Communicating with therapists and teachers

While play therapy works well for younger children with ADHD, it’s most effective as part of a complete treatment plan that may include behavioral strategies and medication.

Key Takeaways

Play therapy has emerged as a valuable component in the ADHD treatment toolkit, particularly for children between ages 4-12. The research-backed approach offers unique advantages by working within a child’s natural mode of expression and learning, leading to measurable improvements in attention, impulse control, and social skills.

As our understanding of ADHD continues to evolve, play therapy’s role in treatment plans is likely to expand. While it may not be a standalone solution for every child, when combined with other interventions and implemented by qualified professionals, play therapy provides a powerful avenue for addressing ADHD symptoms while supporting emotional and social development.