Toys for Kids with ADHD: Supporting Focus Movement and Executive Function Through Play

Children with ADHD often experience challenges with focus and attention, but the right toys and tools can make a significant difference in managing ADHD symptoms. Anne Barber, founder of Reaware Outreach and expert in neurodivergent care, emphasizes a perspective shift in understanding ADHD.

“It’s not even attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – it’s attention difference, hyperactivity difference,” explains Barber. Because it’s a different way of paying attention.” This understanding helps parents and caregivers better support children with ADHD through strategic play and movement.

Understanding ADHD and Movement-Based Learning

Children with ADHD are often kinesthetic learners, making traditional “sit still and focus” approaches less effective. Most kids with ADHD benefit from movement and physical engagement during learning activities.

“It may seem counterintuitive,” Barber explains, “but when you want a child with ADHD to focus on something important—like listening at church or paying attention to a family conversation—giving them something to do with their hands actually helps them concentrate. Their hands need to move so their minds can engage.”

How Movement Supports Learning for Kids with ADHD

• Physical movement improves concentration
• Fidget toys help maintain attention
• Tactile stimulation aids information processing
• Sensory play provides an outlet for excess energy
• Fine motor skills develop through hands-on activities

Essential Tools for Focus and Attention

Fidget Toys and Sensory Solutions

HobbyTown Santee offers various fidget toys designed to help children with ADHD improve focus:

• Fidget spinners for repetitive motion
• Stress balls and squeeze toys
• Tangle toys for quiet manipulation
• Fidget cubes with multiple textures
• Sensory activity boards
• Pop tubes and worry stones
• Needoh and putty for tactile exploration

“With hyperactive-impulsive or combined ADHD, we need to give them an outlet for that need to move,” explains Barber.

Active Play Solutions for ADHD Kids

For children who need physical movement, HobbyTown Santee provides:

• Stomp rockets for outdoor energy release
• Light-up sensory toys
• Interactive games combining movement and focus
• Magnetic balls for tactile stimulation

“Looking for activities that move the whole body is helpful,” Barber advises. “Even indoor activities can provide necessary sensory stimulation while maintaining focus.”

Supporting Executive Function Through Strategic Play

Games and toys can help improve concentration and provide practical solutions for managing ADHD symptoms. Barber recommends options that build multiple skills simultaneously.

Games That Build Skills and Social Development

“Sorry! is a great game for an ADHD child,” Barber explains. “There’s turn-taking, planning, and emotional regulation when you get sent back to start.”

For children ages 3 and up, HobbyTown Santee offers:

• Suspend – reduces anxiety and builds focus
• Strategy games – develop attention span
• Simon – enhances working memory
• Blokus – teaches spatial planning

“The whole point is creating a microcosm of the real world for a child to learn skills they can then use in everyday life,” Barber notes.

Tools for Different Learning Environments

For School and Learning

• Chew necklaces for discrete sensory input
• Pencil toppers for focused attention
• Lap pads for deep pressure
• Fidget packs for varied sensory needs
• Stress-relief tools to keep hands busy

“I teach kids to doodle,” shares Barber. “When they doodle in class or during therapy, it helps them focus.”

For Home and Family Time

• Coding kits for sustained attention
• Building sets for better sleep and focus
• Interactive toys and games
• Portable fidget tools
• Tactile stimulation options

Choosing the Right Tools for Your ADHD Child

When selecting toys, consider options that provide different sensory experiences and help improve focus. Children with ADHD often have varying sensory needs throughout the day.

Multi-Sensory Engagement Tools

• Visual engagement
• Tactile exploration
• Cognitive challenges
• Physical movement
• Sensory stimulation

“Involving multiple senses in play helps children maintain attention,” Barber explains.

Supporting Social Skills Through Play

Group activities help kids with ADHD develop social skills while managing hyperactivity.

Collaborative Play Options

• Slot car racing for shared excitement
• Building projects that encourage teamwork
• Strategy games with cooperative modes
• Group STEM activities for interaction

Expert Tips for Parents and Caregivers

Creating Success with ADHD Toys

• Start with activities matching your child’s interests
• Allow physical movement during learning
• Provide solutions for different energy levels
• Keep tools accessible to improve focus

“Provide appropriate activities and toys that help people with ADHD manage symptoms effectively,” Barber advises.

Finding the Right Support

Visiting HobbyTown Santee offers unique advantages:

• Hands-on experience with sensory toys
• Expert guidance in toy selection
• Opportunity to test interactive products
• Access to specialized focus tools

Conclusion

Supporting a child with ADHD isn’t about changing their natural tendencies but providing tools and environments that help them succeed. The right combination of toys and activities can help kids develop essential skills while honoring their unique way of experiencing the world.

About the Expert: Anne Barber is the founder of Reaware Outreach, a nonprofit providing psychotherapy to neurodivergent clients and breaking down socioeconomic barriers to care.

The information in this article is for general educational purposes and not a substitute for professional advice. Anne Barber’s opinions are her own and not influenced by financial incentives.