Unlocking Potential: The Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Children with ADHD N589

Course Summary

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition that significantly affects children’s participation in school, home, and social activities. While medication is an important treatment, many children continue to struggle with functional challenges that impact learning, self-regulation, and daily routines. This course explores the benefits of occupational therapy (OT) for children with ADHD, highlighting evidence-based interventions such as sensory integration strategies, executive function coaching, motor skill development, environmental adaptations, and cognitive-behavioral approaches. Using current evidence-based research, case examples, and practical applications, health professionals can deepen their understanding of how OT empowers children to build independence, strengthen peer relationships, and achieve meaningful participation in everyday life.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

• Introduction
  • Understanding ADHD Beyond the Symptoms: Neurobiology and Executive Functioning
  • ADHD in Daily Contexts
  • Role of Occupational Therapy in ADHD
  • Challenges Children Face in Daily Occupations
  • Evidence-Based Interventions in Occupational Therapy: Sensory Integration and Self-Regulation
  • Executive Function Coaching
  • Motor Skills and Handwriting
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches
  • Environmental Adaptations
  • Collaboration with Families and Schools
  • Pediatric ADHD: Case Examples
  • Cultural and Family Considerations
  • Future Directions: Occupational Therapy for Pediatric ADHD
  • Key Takeaway Points

Authors

Sarah Schulze, MSN, APRN, CPNP

Sarah Schulze is a board certified pediatric nurse practitioner and professional medical content writer. She earned her BSN from Indiana State University and her MSN from University of Illinois at Chicago. In clinical practice as an RN and NP, she has experience in a variety of settings; including critical care, PACU, pediatrics, mental health, and lactation support. She currently owns and operates a private practice providing outpatient mental health services to children and adolescents. As a writer, she has developed content for many CEU courses, medical apps, health education curricula, NCLEX study materials, health blogs, and more.

William Cook, PhD

William Cook, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist who worked for 15 years in private practice in Montana before leaving his practice to work full time as the Director of CE4Less. He earned his doctorate degree from Texas A&M University, and focused much of his psychology practice in the area of child and family counseling, as well as psychological testing. Dr. Cook likes new challenges, foreign traveling to Africa and areas of Europe and the near East, scuba diving, running, music, and spending time with his family.