Evidential Practices for Children with ADHD
Many families and educators may ask, “does somatic movement really help children to help regulate emotions? Can it really help children with ADHD and sensory challenges?””
The good news is, yes, there is a growing body of research shows that movement, mindfulness, and somatic practices CAN improve attention, emotional regulation and improve the wellbeing of children with ADHD and sensory problems.
Key Findings:
1. Mind-Body Interventions Reduce ADHD Symptoms
A systematic review of 12 studies found that mind-body based practices – such as grounding, yoga, mindfulness and somatic movement:
“Mind-body therapies demonstrated positive effects on reducing ADHD symptoms in the majority of included studies.” Barranco-Ruiz et al. (2019) International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
2. Mindfulness Supports Emotional Regulation
Research highlights that mindfulness training can help children and young people with ADHD to improve attention, executive function, and self control. Kretschmer et al. (2022) Psych, MDPI.
4. ADHD and Somatic Health Complaints
Adolescents with ADHD often experience physical symptoms, such as headaches and stomach aches. Somatic-based movements address both emotional and body-based stress. Frontiers in Psychiatry (2021).
Time to Shine, In Practice
Whilst the book, Time to Shine, Blue! and accompanying Audiobook Adventure does not claim to offer a replacement for Somatic Therapy, particularly where severe trauma is involved, the story encourages children to explore mindful practices, such as grounding, which are proven to help with symptoms of ADHD.
Gentle Exploration of Body-Mind
For children, this is not a therapy session but an opportunity to explore their bodies and feelings in a SAFE storytelling experience which is outside of themselves.
During the Audiobook and class, Shine directs the class to support Blue’s emotions, which removes the focus on themselves. They are invited to share Blue’s exploration of her emotions, which offers them a way to identify if they feel called to.
This Audiobook at class draw on evidence-based somatic and mindful practices, Eastern mindful practices of Qigong and yoga, and somatic practices into story-based movement adventures that help children – and adults – to reconnect with their bodies and gently release trapped emotions with a supported and safe tribal experience.
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