Top Group Therapy Games for Children with ADHD: Practical, Evidence-Based Activities That Work

Children with ADHD often face challenges with attention, impulse control, and social interaction. These difficulties can make traditional therapy approaches feel less engaging. That’s where group therapy games come in. Structured play allows children to practice focus, patience, and cooperation in a fun, low-pressure environment. Research suggests that group interventions, when paired with Behavior Therapy and home strategies, are highly effective for managing ADHD symptoms (CDC).

In this article, we’ll explore the top group therapy games for children with ADHD, explain what each game targets, and share therapist-friendly tips. You’ll also find ways to connect these activities with broader supports like Early Intervention and Speech Therapy for holistic care.

How to Choose Group Games for Children with ADHD

When planning group therapy for kids with ADHD, it’s essential to select games with:

• Clear structure – predictability reduces frustration.
  
• Movement elements – children regulate better when active.
  
• Short turns – waiting too long can cause disengagement.
  
• Skill focus – attention, impulse control, or social interaction.
  
• Positive reinforcement – praise, points, or tokens motivate progress.
  

Games are most effective when integrated into an overall treatment plan that may include behavioral therapy for kids, classroom supports, and family involvement (Healthline).

Top Group Therapy Games for Children with ADHD

1. Listening Relay (Focus & Sustained Attention)

Target skill: Following instructions, auditory memory.
How to play: Divide children into teams. Call out a series of 3–4 steps (e.g., “touch the cone, clap twice, sit”). The first child executes the steps, then tags the next teammate. Points are awarded only for correct sequencing.
Therapist tip: Start simple and gradually increase complexity. Use visuals if needed.
Why it works: Combines physical movement with working memory, boosting sustained attention.

2. Red Light, Green Light — Executive Edition (Impulse Control)

Target skill: Inhibitory control, frustration tolerance.
How to play: Children respond to cues: green = move, red = stop, yellow = slow, blue = take deep breaths. Mix commands randomly.
Therapist tip: Track “successful stops” and reinforce with immediate praise.
Why it works: Builds self-regulation in a playful, structured setting.

3. Pass the Story (Social Skills & Turn-Taking)

Target skill: Listening, cooperative play, pragmatic language.
How to play: Children pass a “talking piece” and add one sentence to a group story. Others must wait for their turn.
Therapist tip: Use timers for fair speaking turns. Encourage descriptive storytelling.
Why it works: Improves patience, sequencing, and peer listening. Connects well with speech therapy goals.

4. Memory Maze (Working Memory)

Target skill: Sequencing, planning.
How to play: Set up a small obstacle course. Each child gets an instruction card with a sequence (e.g., hop, grab beanbag, high-five). They must complete it correctly.
Therapist tip: Provide visual support for younger children.
Why it works: Movement-based recall strengthens working memory, often weak in ADHD.

5. Human Knot — Modified (Problem Solving & Cooperation)

Target skill: Collaboration, patience.
How to play: In groups of 5–6, children form a knot by linking elbows. They must untangle without breaking the chain.
Therapist tip: Offer hints and encourage teamwork.
Why it works: Promotes communication, flexible thinking, and calm problem-solving.

6. Feelings Charades (Emotional Awareness)

Target skill: Emotion recognition, empathy.
How to play: Children act out emotions silently; peers guess the feeling.
Therapist tip: Discuss real-life situations for each feeling.
Why it works: Enhances emotional vocabulary and regulation, supporting both special education and therapy goals.

Example 1-Hour Group Session Plan

• Check-in (5 min): Quick mood chart.
  
• Warm-up game (10 min): Listening Relay.
  
• Skill game (15 min): Memory Maze.
  
• Calming activity (10 min): Feelings Charades.
  
• Wrap-up (10 min): Token rewards, skill reflection.
  

Consistency and structure, combined with guidance from training programs for parents & professionals, ensure children generalize skills at home and school.

Safety & Inclusion Checklist

• Keep groups small (4–8 children).
  
• Offer sensory breaks for overstimulation.
  
• Gain parental consent for physical activities.
  
• Provide a quiet corner for children who need regulation.
  
• Reinforce with praise and visual rewards.
  

FAQs

Q1. Are these games evidence-based for ADHD?
Yes. Many mirror principles from group CBT and occupational therapy, both of which are research-supported for ADHD.

Q2. What ages can benefit?These games work for ages 4–16, with adjustments to complexity and session length.

Q3. Can parents run these games at home?
Absolutely. Many activities (like Feelings Charades) can be adapted for families, making them a natural fit alongside online therapy or home supports.

Conclusion

Group therapy games are more than just fun  they are structured, skill-targeted tools that help children with ADHD build attention, self-control, and social awareness. When combined with therapies like Behavior Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Early Intervention, they provide a holistic path for growth. Parents, teachers, and therapists can adapt these activities to different settings, ensuring children not only enjoy group sessions but also gain lasting skills that transfer to daily life.

Posted on September 20, 2025September 24, 2025 by tndcadmin