Best Games for Children with ADHD - Cognitive Benefits

Engaging Games and Activities For Children with ADHD

In addition to medication and therapy, lifestyle changes can help manage ADHD symptoms in children. Physical activities that focus attention and provide structure allow kids with ADHD to expend energy and develop skills. Games and hobbies give these children constructive outlets to channel restlessness into productive engagement.

Benefits of Games for ADHD

Playing games has many advantages for children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD):

• Builds focus and concentration
• Provides stimulating brain training
• Teaches turn-taking and social interaction
• Boosts coordination and motor control
• Relieves impulsivity through strategy and planning
• Cultivates problem-solving abilities
• Improves memory recall and retention
• Enhances motivation through scoring/reward systems

Choosing Games for Children with ADHD

Certain game features work well for ADHD brains. The best games:

• Are intellectually engaging without being overly complicated
• Provide structure through rules and objectives
• Allow active physical movement or hand-eye coordination
• Have adaptive difficulty levels to maintain the right challenge
• Offer feedback through scoring to motivate continued effort

Top Game Genres for ADHD

These game genres leverage key strengths for the ADHD brain:

Action Games

Fast-paced games with moving targets, puzzles and motor challenges can captivate attention while building crucial skills.

Adventure Games

Exploring worlds through stories and characters stimulates curiosity and creativity essential for ADHD kids.

Arcade & Puzzle Games

Short play sessions with engaging skill-based challenges train flexibility, strategy and problem-solving.

Music & Rhythm Games

Matching sequences and timing movement to sound patterns bolster coordination, math abilities and impulse control.

Sports Games

Digital athletics compel physical participation, hand-eye synchronization and understanding game mechanics.

Strategy Games

Resource management and turn-based games build executive function for organizational skills and pre-planning.

Best Games for Children with ADHD by Age

Games can be tailored to different developmental stages:

Ages 5-7

• Action games - Sonic, Super Mario
• Music/dance games - Just Dance Kids
• Puzzle games - Tetris, Candy Crush
• Educational iPad games - Endless Reader, Thinkrolls

Ages 8-10

• Adventure games - Legend of Zelda, Ratchet and Clank
• Arcade games - Plants vs Zombies, Fruit Ninja
• Building games - Minecraft, Lego
• Sports games - FIFA, Mario Tennis

Ages 11-13

• MMORPGs - Wizard101, ToonTown
• Online battle arenas - Pokmon Unite, Smash Legends
• Racing games - Mario Kart, Forza Horizon
• Simulation games - Roller Coaster Tycoon, Kerbal Space Program

Choosing Games with ADHD in Mind

Use these tips when selecting games for ADHD:

• Read online reviews from ADHD parents and players.
• Find titles with bright colors and exciting sounds.
• Avoid overly complex controls which lead to frustration.
• Let kids try game demos to gauge their own interest.
• Ensure safety features like parental controls are available.

Setting Kids Up for Gaming Success

Proper gear and gaming areas allow ADHD children to thrive. Help them:

• Choose consoles with kid-friendly designs.
• Invest in gear that inspires - gaming chairs, headphones.
• Customize controllers for easier handling and buttons.
• Designate tidy gaming spaces to prevent distraction.
• Play games together and share gaming passion.

Guiding ADHD Kids Towards Growth with Games

Games unlock key cognitive abilities in children with ADHD while being tremendously enjoyable. Support kids in discovering titles that ignite motivation so play unlocks their potential.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.