Paediatric occupational therapists at the University of Sydney have developed a play program to teach children diagnosed with ADHD essential life skills.
The program ‘The Ultimate Guide to Making Friends’ which includes a parent handbook, a video starring an alien character called Oober and clinic play sessions with a therapist, has so far been tested via two pilot studies.
Early results of the initial two phases are promising, showing play can help children learn afresh the essential lifelong skills of sharing and caring. They also indicate the young participants are increasing their social and communication skills, according to study co-ordinator and PhD candidate, Sarah Wilkes-Gillan.
“Play is often described as ‘children’s work’. Kids learn and develop through play. As small children we all learn the importance of sharing and cooperating. These skills require empathy, which is the ability to imagine how another is feeling and see the world through their eyes or viewpoint. This skill takes time to develop and we utilise throughout our entire lives,” says Sarah.
“While we teach young children to share, empathy is a complex skill that develops as children grow. We notice children begin to play with others, instead of alongside them. Some children may develop empathy at a slower rate than others. They might continue to care about themselves and their possessions and do not think about how their peers or family members think or feel,” she says.
The program is also helping the parents of the children with ADHD. Anecdotally parents are saying the simple step-by-step guide has given them the tools and strategies to use at home providing them with methods to communicate better with their child and helped their child in developing lasting friendships.
Accordingn to Professor Anita Bundy: “What we know is that many children with ADHD can have problems understanding social cues. They dominate play time. They are not necessarily empathetic and find it difficult to learn the social skills that other children learn. This may mean they have problems making and keeping friends.”
Experts estimate as many as 900,000 Australian children between the ages of two and 19 are living with ADHD.
Researchers are seeking participants for the third phase of the study commencing in May and running in blocks through to December. The program involves clinic sessions with therapist supported play, video-feedback of play interactions, and parent involvement through home-activities. To find out more, please contact Sarah Wilkes-Gillan at The University of Sydney swil8454@uni.sydney.edu.au or on telephone 0402402359.
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