Structured physical activities, such as dance or karate, can provide a valuable outlet for energy and the basis for developing personal discipline, especially among children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. When deciding between activities such as dance and karate, take your child's personal interests, strengths and weaknesses into consideration. No single activity is best for every kid with ADHD.
Understanding ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is an extremely common condition among children, adolescents and, to a lesser degree, among adults. The most common signs of ADHD is difficulty in focusing, a short attention span and physical hyperactivity. The National Institute of Mental Health further subdivides the disorder into three major forms: predominantly hyperactive and impulsive, predominantly inattentive and a combination of hyperactive-impulsive behavior and inattentiveness. While medications are routinely used to treat ADHD, scientists have not conclusively established the cause of the disorder. Changes to a child's environmental factors, including diet, exposure to cigarette smoke and exercise routine may all have as much influence on the disorder as medication.
Dance and ADHD
According to a 2006 study by Karlstad University and the University College of Dance in Stockholm, dancing can significantly hyperactivity and behavioral issues among boys with ADHD. Subjects in the trial regularly performed better in school, both behaviorally and academically. Mayo Clinic also ranks dance among the top activities for children with ADHD, citing its structure as discipline-building, as well as the opportunity to foster healthy self-esteem.
Karate and ADHD
Karate and other martial arts are widely recommended as after-school activities for children with ADHD. Like dance, they can foster self-discipline as well as a postive self-image. The website BabyCenter.com recommends martial arts among the top activities for children with ADHD. Perhaps even more than dance, martial arts require mental energy in addition to physical involvement, as well as interaction with peers. According to the National Attention Deficit Disorder Association, participation in karate or other martial arts helps to reduce impulsiveness, improve concentration and ease hyperactivity.
Selecting an Activity
As evidenced by scientific studies and by the recommendations of national medical organizations, both dance and karate can be beneficial activities for children with ADHD. To select between the activities, take your child's natural abilities into consideration. As Mayo Clinic warns, you can reverse the benefit of a positive activity if you push children to do something beyond their abilities. If your kid is unaccustomed to sports and physical interaction, avoid highly competitive martial arts schools and shop around for a supportive class that's well-suited to your kid's ability level. If the rigid structure of ballet is too confining to your kid, look for classes in jazz, hip-hop or improvisational dance styles.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- News-Medical.net; Dancing Helps Boys with ADHD; June 2006
- MayoClinic.com; Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children: Lifestyle and Home Remedies; February 2011
- BabyCenter: Best and Worst After-School Activities for Children with ADHD; D. Steven Ledingham;
- New York Times; Turning Fidgets Into Karate Kicks; Some Find That Martial Arts Ease Attention Disorders; Susan Saulny; October 2000
