Occupational therapists’ interventions with children with attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder: a scoping review

Abstract

Introduction: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) begins in childhood and is associated with dysfunctions in the dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems, resulting in impulsivity, inattention, and disorganization, which impair children’s occupational performance. Objective: To understand how occupational therapists have structured their practices in caring for children with ADHD. Method: A scoping review was conducted through searches in PubMed, OTseeker, and the Virtual Health Library. Articles published in the last five years that described occupational therapy interventions with children with ADHD were included. The selection was performed by two independent researchers, and the extracted data were presented descriptively, with emphasis on therapeutic approaches, their objectives, and reported outcomes. Results: Eleven studies were included, most of which focused on enhancing executive functions. Strategies and resources used encompassed cognitive training, parent training, digital games, white noise, transcranial stimulation, expressive groups, and table tennis. The studies reported improvements in working memory, processing speed, inhibitory control, sustained attention, handwriting, motor skills, and parental satisfaction. Conclusion: Occupational therapy offers promising interventions for the care of children with ADHD, particularly in enhancing executive functions. Although the number of studies remains limited, the presence of randomized clinical trials strengthens the evidence base. Emerging approaches show potential to expand therapeutic practice but still require further investigation.