Pediatric Occupational Therapy for ADHD and Attention Difficulties
in San Diego, CA
Helping Children Focus, Regulate, and Thrive
Children with ADHD or attention and impulse control challenges often have big ideas, tons of energy, and their own unique strengths. But difficulties with focus, self-control, or organization can make daily routines like going to school more challenging.
At SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy, our occupational therapists provide fun, individualized strategies to help kids harness their strengths, build self-regulation skills, and feel more successful in everyday life.
What Is ADHD and Attention Difficulty?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child’s ability to pay attention, manage their impulses, and regulate their activity levels. These challenges can interfere with learning, play, and social relationships; but with the right support, children can develop their ability to focus and feel comfortable.
Even without an ADHD diagnosis, some children may show difficulty focusing, following directions, or controlling their impulses. For example, these types of challenges can also be seen in children with:
- Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): when input from the senses feels overwhelming or under-stimulating, making it hard to stay focused
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): where attention and self-regulation may be affected alongside communication and social differences
- Learning disabilities: such as dyslexia or other difficulties that make classroom focus more challenging
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): which can impact attention, memory, and executive functioning
Common Symptoms of ADHD and Related Attention Challenges
Some common signs of ADHD and related attention or impulse control difficulties can include:
- Trouble paying attention or staying on task
- Frequently losing items or forgetting instructions
- Excessive movement, fidgeting, or restlessness
- Difficulty waiting or taking turns
- Emotional outbursts or frustration when things don’t go as expected
- Struggles with organization, planning, or completing tasks
- Challenges transitioning between activities
- Trouble following multi-step directions
- Over- or under-responsiveness to sensory input (e.g., easily distracted by background noise, or seeming “tuned out”)
- Able to focus intensely on favorite activities but struggles with less preferred tasks
- Avoidance of or rushing through tasks that require sustained mental effort (like homework or reading)
- Difficulty organizing belongings, time, or tasks
- Difficulty staying on topic during conversation and telling stories in a clear, concise manner
- Difficulty with impulse control (unsafe risk-taking such as climbing or jumping too high or running off unexpectedly, interrupting when others are speaking, lack of awareness that they are not following appropriate social behavior, etc.)
How Occupational Therapy Can Help with ADHD and Attention Challenge
At SmallTalk, our occupational therapists create personalized therapy plans that address each child’s unique needs in a playful, supportive way. With encouragement and consistency, we help children learn strategies that help them feel more capable and in control of their daily lives.
Depending on your child’s specific needs, therapy may focus on:
- Self-regulation strategies to help children manage energy, emotions, and behavior
- Sensory integration activities that support focus and attention skills
- Structured routines and visual supports to make daily tasks more predictable and manageable
- Executive functioning practice to support school success (writing, organizing, planning)
- Social skill-building to strengthen peer interactions and cooperation
- Parent coaching so families have tools to support your child at home and in the community
How Speech Therapy can help:
- Social skills groups practicing these skills with peers
- Help using clear concise language to communicate effectively
Why Choose SmallTalk?
When it comes to helping your child gain independence and confidence, you want a team that not only understands child development but truly connects with kids. That’s exactly what you’ll find at SmallTalk!
We help children throughout San Diego achieve their greatest potential. Our occupational therapists are committed to helping your child grow through playful, goal-oriented sessions. Whether we’re working on motor coordination, sensory processing, or self-care routines, we make therapy meaningful and fun.
We also know that parent involvement is key. That’s why we prioritize open communication and teamwork, so you always feel supported and involved in your child’s progress.
Schedule Your Child’s Evaluation Today
If your child is struggling with attention, focus, or impulse control, occupational therapy at SmallTalk Pediatric Therapy can help. Our experienced San Diego therapists are here to guide your child toward greater independence and confidence.
Call us at (619) 647-6157 or fill out our online form to schedule an evaluation today. Together, we’ll help your child discover new ways to succeed at school, at home, and beyond.