I keep seeing paid programmes on Facebook with what look like occupational therapy type exercises which involve getting each hand or part of the body doing something different, sometimes while getting children to dance or balance at the same time. They have names like Newmindstart Mind, Kidology, Neurokids and other similar sounding things. They claim to help with neuroplasticity and connecting different parts of the brain which they say will help with focus, impulse control and impulsivity.
Is it claptrap designed to relieve me of my money, or is any of this stuff actually helpful for a child?
Iām keen to do anything which might help, but donāt want to waste time or money on rubbish. My child is 11 with āmild to moderateā ADHD.
Iād say that sensory input for kids via a fully qualified Occupational therapist who specialises in sensory integration therapy (Such as UK provider Peak Potential here in Sheffield) is absolutely incredible for neurodivergent kids. Itās very easy to do the wrong exercises though that can actually disregulate your kids more.
So for example our kids school does sensory circuits every morning which is incredible, but because itās a āone size fits allā itās not in any way tailoring the sensory diet to each kidās profile. This means whilst the kids will be having fun and using their bodies, some will end the session in no place to learn.
I guess what Iām saying is you need specialists for provision like this, so to check whether thereās any tailoring to individual kids, any qualifications such as sensory integration masters, and who theyāre affiliated with (hopefully NHS or other big health providers). Otherwise itās just a lot of fun but not ātreatmentā or going to improve anything. Iām down for fun though obvs! Just donāt expect any sort of therapy from it.