In recent decades, the number of children diagnosed with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) has risen significantly. While medication is often considered an ADHD treatment, many parents hesitate to pursue this option due to concerns about side effects or long-term use. Fortunately, alternative approaches such as art therapy for ADHD have shown promising clinical outcomes.
According to the Center for ADHD Awareness Canada (CADDAC), ADHD impacts around 4-6% of adults and 5-7% of children in Canada. That’s about 1.8 million Canadians managing ADHD diagnosis, which can affect attention, focus, and impulse control in both children and adults.
What is ADHD?
ADHD in children is often misunderstood, with symptoms sometimes misinterpreted as laziness or defiance. This neurodevelopmental disorder can also coexist with other conditions like learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, and conduct disorder. Despite these varying manifestations, ADHD shares core traits: inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
When parents of children with ADHD were interviewed for ADHD research, their experiences were categorized into three main symptoms:
– Inattention:
“As a parent of a child with ADHD, I can tell you that life is a rollercoaster. My son is incredibly bright and imaginative, but staying focused can be a real struggle for him. Homework time often turns into a battle—he’ll start out strong but quickly gets distracted by anything and everything around him. It’s like he has a million tabs open in his mind at once!”
– Impulsivity:
“My daughter is full of energy and has a heart of gold, but her impulsive nature often leads her into tricky situations. There are moments when her impulsivity puts her at risk, like running into the street without looking. It’s terrifying! We’re constantly working on strategies to help her pause and think before she acts.”
– Hyperactivity:
“My son, who has been diagnosed with ADHD, is always on the go, bouncing from one activity to another. He’s constantly moving, whether it’s fidgeting during dinner or racing around the backyard. It’s like he has a built-in motor that never shuts off!”
Is Art Therapy An Effective Approach ADHD Symptom Management?
Art therapy for ADHD offers a unique way to manage symptoms by channeling a child’s energy into constructive activities. These sessions help children focus on listening, learning, and applying what they’ve learned through creative expression. Our art therapists in Montreal also integrates mindfulness practices, enabling children to develop awareness of their impulses, which supports greater self-control.
Through their artwork, children express emotions and thoughts they may struggle to verbalize, giving therapists valuable insight into their inner world. This non-verbal expression is especially helpful for children with ADHD diagnosis, allowing them to navigate and manage their challenges more effectively.
To find out how does ADHD impacts students’ performance in elementary, high school, and college/university, check out this blog.
How is Art Therapy Different from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Addressing ADHD?
While both art therapy and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) approaches are effective, they differ in their methods :
CBT : focuses on structured interventions and ADHD treatment, such as identifying and changing negative thoughts, teaching practical skills like self-regulation, and modifying behavior through rewards and consequences.
Art Therapy : on the other hand, emphasizes creative expression, providing a safe, non-judgmental space for children to explore their emotions without fear of criticism. By incorporating mindfulness, it helps children become more present and focused, reducing impulsivity—a key issue in both ADHD in children and ADHD in adults.
This table provides a visual table that highlights the differences between the two approaches:
| • Structured Interventions:
Utilizes specific, organized techniques to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors associated with ADHD.
• Skill Development: Focus on teaching practical skills, such as problem-solving and self-regulation, to help children manage their symptoms effectively.
• Behavior Modification: Employ strategies like rewards and consequences to encourage positive behaviors while discouraging negative ones, making it goal-oriented.
• Cognitive Restructuring: Aim to change maladaptive thinking patterns, helping children understand how their thoughts influence their emotions and behaviors, ultimately fostering a more positive mindset. |
• Creative Expression:
Encourage individuals to communicate feelings and experiences through various artistic forms, allowing for nonverbal expression.
• Exploration of Emotions: Provide a safe space for children to explore and process their emotions, helping them gain insights into their inner thoughts and feelings.
• Mindfulness and Focus: Incorporate mindfulness practices, helping children learn to be present and focused, reducing impulsivity and enhancing concentration.
• Nonjudgmental Space: Offer a relaxed environment where individuals can express themselves freely without fear of criticism, fostering comfort and openness. |
Which Type of Therapy Session Should You Choose for Your Children : Group or Individual?
Both group and individual sessions can be beneficial in art therapy for ADHD. Group sessions offer opportunities to develop social skills, self-awareness, and collaboration, which are crucial for managing ADHD in children. These settings also help children address impulsivity and learn how their actions affect their peers.
Individual therapy, however, provides a personalized approach where children can focus on specific challenges related to their ADHD diagnosis and practice emotion regulation and problem-solving skills. You can read more on how art therapy helps improve children’s social skills here.
To find an art therapist in Montreal, Pointe-Claire, or Brossard, contact us here.
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